G20 finance deputies aim for consensus and strong economic statement at Durban meeting

G20 finance and central bank deputies are convening in Durban, South Africa, for a two-day meeting to finalize the first communique under the country's presidency, expressing optimism for consensus on key global economic issues despite past disagreements. Discussions center on reconciling differing views on narrating challenges like regional conflicts in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, climate change priorities between transitions and adaptation, uneven growth, elevated debt, inflation, and long-term shifts in digitalisation and climate finance. Recent virtual engagements have been constructive, with updates on development bank frameworks, pandemic simulations, sovereign debt, and African priorities from Trevor Manuel. A strong communique would guide finance ministers and governors, enhancing coordinated responses to global uncertainties including US tariff disruptions.