The G20 meeting in South Africa faced disruption as key finance ministers were absent and foreign aid cuts occurred, following US and UK reductions. President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the importance of G20 cooperation in addressing poverty and climate change, despite the diminishing global commitment highlighted by various analysts. The absences were a setback in efforts to engage in constructive dialogue on economic inequalities and climate finance.
On February 25, 2025, South Africa convened a G20 meeting focused on global poverty, but faced significant setbacks due to the absence of key finance ministers and ongoing cuts in foreign aid. The meeting occurs amid the Trump administration’s plans to reduce USAid and a 40% aid budget cut in Britain, diverting funds to defense. The lack of participation from officials such as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, along with finance ministers from China, Japan, India, Canada, and the EU, undermined prospects for addressing critical issues like climate finance and systemic inequalities.
In his opening remarks, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the urgency for G20 cooperation, underlining the need to protect the vulnerable from the actions of the powerful. The absence of these top officials diminished chances of reaching a consensus on meaningful solutions at the conclusion of the meeting. There were fears that the lack of engagement would stall progress on pressing issues Ramaphosa aimed to address, including climate finance from wealthier nations and reforms necessary for supporting poorer countries.
Dirk Willem te Velde from ODI Global lamented the situation, stating, “The absence of key officials at the G20 finance meetings further underscores the diminishing commitment to global poverty reduction at a time when it’s needed most.” Salvatore Nocerino of Oxfam highlighted the unfortunate missed opportunity to bridge gaps between the Global North and South amid the meeting’s context. Meanwhile, the discussions on defense spending driven by geopolitical tensions have drawn attention away from poverty-related issues.
South Africa hoped the G20 could serve as a platform to urge developed nations to contribute more effectively to climate change initiatives. Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa expressed concerns that US skepticism over climate change could negatively influence global energy transition strategies. Some analysts suggest that the US’s absence could allow for alternative collaborative efforts among remaining G20 members, possibly benefiting South Africa’s leadership role.
International discussions on poverty alleviation faced significant challenges during the G20 meeting in South Africa due to notable absences from key finance ministers and drastic cuts in foreign aid. The lack of cooperation hampers potential progress on crucial issues like climate finance and economic inequalities, highlighting the need for renewed commitment among member nations. As geopolitical tensions shift focus towards defense spending, the G20’s credibility and effectiveness in addressing global poverty may be jeopardized.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
