G20 Johannesburg Summit Adopts Declaration, Aims to Double Global Renewable Energy Capacity by 2030

The G20 Leaders' Summit opened in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 22. At a press conference that afternoon, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola stated that participating parties had reached consensus on the core agenda and adopted the G20 Johannesburg Leaders' Declaration. This summit, held for the first time on the African continent under the theme "Unity, Equality, Sustainability," focused on global challenges and inclusive growth.

Energy Transition as a Key Focus with Clear 2030 Renewable Energy Capacity Goals

The declaration highlighted the energy transition agenda. Participants unanimously supported existing targets and policies to triple global renewable energy capacity and double the global annual rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030. They also pledged to support the implementation of other zero- and low-emission technologies by 2030, including abatement and removal technologies, in line with national circumstances. The declaration addressed inequality challenges in the energy landscape of developing countries, particularly in Africa, committing to provide low-cost financing—such as concessional loans and blended finance mechanisms—for their low-carbon transition, enhancing energy security, affordability, and accessibility through diversified pathways.

Addressing Multiple Global Challenges with Multilateral Cooperation as a Consensus

Amid rising geopolitical and economic competition, frequent conflicts, and increased global economic uncertainty, the declaration reaffirmed belief in multilateral cooperation. On disaster resilience, it emphasized integrated disaster risk reduction, enhancing response capabilities for earthquakes and extreme weather, and promoting nature-based solutions. In debt sustainability, it endorsed the G20 Ministerial Declaration on Debt Sustainability and committed to strengthening the implementation of the Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative. On food security, it pledged to ensure food system resilience through open, non-discriminatory trade policies, promoting agricultural innovation and reducing waste.

Additionally, the declaration covered stable critical mineral supply chains, inclusive economic growth, international AI cooperation, and partnerships with Africa, welcoming the G20 Framework for Critical Minerals, launching the "AI for Africa" initiative, supporting Africa's integration into global industry and value chains, and initiating the "2025–2030 G20 Finance Track Africa Cooperation Framework."

Strengthening Multilateral Mechanisms and Promoting Global Governance Reform

The declaration reaffirmed strengthening multilateralism based on the UN Charter, called for UN Security Council reform to enhance representation and effectiveness, and advocated for greater voice for Africa, Asia-Pacific, and other regions in international institutions. In the field of climate change, the temperature control goals of the Paris Agreement were reaffirmed, and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was supported. At the same time, the African Union was warmly welcomed as a formal member of the G20, emphasizing that African voices should be fully released in international forums. The summit announced that the next round of G20 presidencies will be held successively by the US (2026), the UK (2027), and South Korea (2028), and welcomed Saudi Arabia's desire for an early rotation.