The summit, which opened on Friday, marks the first time the G20 is being hosted on the African continent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to speak in all three sessions, where he will outline India’s approach to inclusive growth, climate resilience and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
In a statement before his departure, Modi said the summit carries added significance as it follows the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 during India’s 2023 presidency. He said he would reiterate India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
South Africa is using its presidency to spotlight issues affecting developing nations, including debt distress, climate vulnerabilities and widening development gaps. Officials say the platform offers African nations an opportunity to seek broader international support ahead of the 2030 deadline for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Trump, who had earlier announced that Washington would boycott the summit entirely, reversed course on Thursday. The White House confirmed that acting ambassador Mark D. Dillard would attend the final session on the US’s behalf. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he received a last-minute notification about the change in plans.
Putin’s absence is attributed to concerns over an International Criminal Court warrant related to the Ukraine war. Xi Jinping reportedly withdrew due to health complications.
The G20, formed by G7 nations in 1999 to include major developing economies, rotates its presidency annually. South Africa took over from Brazil and will hand the role to the United States in 2026.
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