Johannesburg (November 22, 2025) — Leaders from the Group of 20 major economies adopted a joint declaration at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. This is the first time the Summit has been held on African soil.  

Taking place from 22–23 November, alongside COP30 in Belém, South Africa used its presidency to make the priorities of developing nations central to the conversation ‒ from climate resilience and debt sustainability, to just energy transition and the responsible use of critical minerals.  

Following is a statement from Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, World Resources Institute:

“The G20 Declaration sent a clear message: no country can secure its people’s safety or economic future alone. In a fractured world, international cooperation is essential ‒ and it is delivering results.  

“By putting climate change front and center, the G20 showed that cooperation is still possible, even amid global tensions. Leaders clearly recognized that climate impacts pose direct economic risks, but also that the shift to a low-carbon, climate resilient economy presents opportunities for investment, innovation and jobs.  

“We welcome the G20's focus on a just transition – creating green jobs, investing in reskilling, ensuring that the benefits of a low-carbon future reach everyone not just the privileged few – and giving those hardest hit by climate change a seat at the table. It is also promising that adaptation and disaster risk reduction are gaining traction, because protecting communities from the storms, floods, droughts and fires already at their doorstep is as essential as cutting emissions.

“Climate finance and access emerged as a priority. Concessional loans and tools like debt-for-climate swaps can play a critical role in supporting low-income countries. It is encouraging that G20 leaders continue to emphasize country platforms as a way to bring together public and private, domestic and international finance and policies to mobilize finance at scale, while helping ensure resources meet the poorest and most vulnerable.

“While COP30 fell short on agreeing to develop a roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels, the Brazilian Presidency announced plans to develop one outside formal negotiations. Building on that momentum, President Lula emphasized in Johannesburg that the G20 must champion a new economic model, and that “the seeds planted” at COP30 for this proposal will “bear fruit sooner than later.”  

“The global shift toward clean energy is undeniable. Economies like Brazil, India and China show that clean energy can meet rising demand, drive economic growth and strengthen national energy security. When people are placed at the center, this transition can deliver good jobs and provide abundant, affordable and reliable energy for all. But, as G20 leaders rightly noted, this transition must be done responsibly, ensuring that the extraction and use of critical minerals benefits resource-rich nations and their communities without driving undue human or environmental costs.

“The period ahead gives G20 leaders a critical chance to turn promises into immediate, measurable action ‒ because words alone cannot deliver the future people, nature and climate so desperately need.”