President Cyril Ramaphosa closed the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg with a call for unity, justice and sustainable development, marking the first time the gathering of the world’s major economies has been hosted on African soil.

Several world leaders congratulated Ramaphosa after his closing speech, with the conspicuous absence of the United States even more pronounced as he could not hand over the G20 Presidency to the US.

Ramaphosa said Africa represents the greatest opportunity for prosperity in the 21st century and urged stronger partnerships between the continent and the G20. He stressed that harnessing this opportunity requires collaboration between Africa and the rest of the world.

The President highlighted the growing debt burden faced by developing economies as a major obstacle to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The G20 pledged to support low and middle-income countries confronting debt vulnerabilities, with Ramaphosa calling for a cycle of reduced debt, higher public investment and inclusive growth.

Climate change was a central theme of the summit. Ramaphosa announced progress in mobilising finance for a just energy transition and urged increased climate finance, stronger multilateral development banks and unlocking private capital. Leaders reaffirmed commitments to energy security, affordability and universal access, while supporting developing economies in their transition to low‑carbon futures. South Africa also introduced High-Level Voluntary Principles for Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction, encouraging global collaboration to strengthen resilience against climate‑induced disasters.

The summit endorsed the G20 Critical Minerals Framework, aimed at ensuring resources drive prosperity and sustainable development worldwide. Ramaphosa said the Leaders’ Declaration was “more than words – it is a commitment to concrete actions that will improve lives across the globe.”

Coinciding with the end of the first cycle of G20 presidencies, South Africa led the G20@20 Review, drawing on diverse perspectives to ensure the forum remains fit for purpose in an ever-changing world.

Ramaphosa urged an end to conflicts worldwide, calling for a just and lasting peace. He closed with a vision of solidarity and shared humanity, saying:

“We have laid the foundation of solidarity; now we must build the walls of justice and the roof of prosperity. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind.”

Key pledges made at the Johannesburg G20 Summit included:

• Support for low‑ and middle‑income countries facing debt vulnerabilities.
• Mobilisation of finance for a just energy transition in developing economies.
• Increased quality and quantity of climate finance, including reforms to multilateral development banks.
• Adoption of High-Level Voluntary Principles for Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction.
• Commitment to energy security, affordability and universal access.
• Recognition of the need for deep and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
• Endorsement of the G20 Critical Minerals Framework to ensure resources drive sustainable development.
• Agreement on the G20@20 Review to strengthen the forum’s relevance in a changing world.

G20 Leaders’ Summit: Closing Session #G20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 https://t.co/X422SQrHcQ

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) November 23, 2025

Several Leaders commended President Ramaphosa’s leadership and congratulated him on South Africa’s successful G20 presidency and hosting of the Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. #G20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦#ThankYouSouthAfrica https://t.co/elAswxyWeE pic.twitter.com/SqRIbCERMw

— ATHI GELEBA 🇿🇦 (@AthiGeleba) November 23, 2025