Johannesburg: World leaders gathered in Johannesburg on Saturday for the start of the G20 summit, marking the first time the meeting is being hosted on African soil. The two day event is moving forward despite a boycott by the United States, a decision that has added tension to an already complex global discussion on climate action, energy transition and financial support for developing nations.

South Africa, which holds the G20 presidency this year, set an agenda that focuses on tackling climate related disasters, preparing for a clean energy transition, ensuring fair benefits from critical minerals and pushing for reforms in global borrowing systems. President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the summit as a chance to strengthen the voice of Africa and other developing regions in global decision making.

The United States is not taking part after President Donald Trump rejected the summit, accusing South Africa of mistreating white farmers and calling the event a disgrace. As a result, American officials were not involved in the negotiations that produced the draft G20 leaders declaration, something that rarely happens in the group that usually works by consensus.

Even without the United States, G20 envoys agreed on a draft text that includes references to climate change and the need to expand renewable energy. The move shows that other major economies are pushing ahead with climate discussions, even as Washington distances itself from some global environmental commitments.

The absence of the United States has raised concerns about how the summit will proceed and how united the G20 can remain on global challenges. South Africa has already rejected a request from Washington to send a low level representative to handle the handover for next year, when the United States will host the 2026 summit.

Despite the tensions, leaders from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America are continuing discussions in Johannesburg. Many nations view this summit as an opportunity to highlight the needs of developing countries, especially on climate financing and debt relief.

The final outcome of the meeting, including whether all members will endorse the declaration, will be closely watched as the world looks for signs of cooperation in a time of political division and economic uncertainty.