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TimesLiveTimesLive21/11/2025
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Macron urges G20 to push ahead despite US no-show

Macron urges G20 to push ahead despite US no-show

Executive Summary

French President Emmanuel Macron urged G20 leaders not to let the United States' absence derail the Johannesburg summit, stressing the need for doubled-down cooperation amid geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, and fragile economic conditions. Speaking in Pretoria, he regretted the US non-participation at the leaders' level but insisted the agenda on climate finance, multilateral lending reform, and economic stabilization must proceed, noting the absence is likely temporary as the US hosts in 2026. His remarks support broader efforts to preserve consensus-based diplomacy, with a South African declaration agreed by G20 sherpas and other leaders like China's Li Qiang and UK's Keir Starmer arriving for the event.