Draft joint statement ready for G20 leaders' summit: sources
Executive Summary
A draft joint statement for the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, was finalized on Friday after intensive negotiations among participating nations, despite a U.S. boycott of preparations over opposition to South Africa's priorities. The summit, starting Saturday, focuses on debt sustainability for low-income countries, financing a just energy transition, and critical minerals for inclusive growth, with leaders including Brazil's Lula, China's Li Qiang, and France's Macron in attendance. The U.S. will only send a representative for a handover ceremony ahead of hosting next year, and the statement's title deviates from the traditional 'G20 Leaders' Declaration.' This underscores divisions in the group but signals agreement among most members on pressing global economic challenges.