Nov 23, Kathmandu - ​​​​​​​G20 Declaration Passed Amidst US Boycott: South African President Defies Trump's Demands, Handing Over Host to 'Empty Chair' Today

Johannesburg - Despite US President Donald Trump's boycott, member nations unanimously adopted the declaration prepared by South Africa on the first day of the G20 summit on Saturday.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the final statement needed to be unanimous, even if the US did not attend.

Trump had said he would send a US official to attend the final session. According to Reuters, the South African president has rejected an offer to hand over the US official to receive him as a guest.

President Ramaphosa will hand over the G20 presidency to an “empty chair” on Sunday. The US is the host of the G20 summit for 2026. But due to Trump’s boycott, no US representatives are attending the summit.

The G20 was formed by the current G7 rich countries. The G20 is seen as an extension of the G7. The G7 includes France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US and Canada.

In 1997-98, Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Korea were in financial crisis. At that time, the G7 was the only decision-maker, but since the crisis was in Asia, it was felt that other emerging economies should also be involved.

Then in 1999, the G20 was formed, including countries such as India, China, and Brazil. Initially, it was only a forum of finance ministers and central bank governors.

In 2008, it was decided to include heads of state and prime ministers. The first summit was held in Washington in November 2008.