Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri addressed media misconceptions on the final day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit at Nasrec Expo Centre, confirming that Argentina fully endorsed the adopted declaration despite initial objections.
Argentina’s Participation Confirmed
Phiri clarified that reports of Argentina abstaining from the 30-page declaration were inaccurate. “Argentina did sign the declaration,” he stated, noting that the country raised concerns over specific provisions—similar to its reservations expressed during Brazil’s 2024 G20 presidency—but ultimately supported the document. The declaration, addressing climate action, global peace and security, and resilient supply chains for critical minerals, was officially adopted on Friday, 21 November, following broad consensus among the 42 attending nations (all G20 members except the United States).
This endorsement aligns with Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno’s active involvement in summit sessions, underscoring the near-unanimous approval that propelled the text forward without renegotiation.
Status of the Global Inequality Report
Phiri also explained the absence of explicit references to the G20 Global Inequality Report in the declaration. The landmark document, led by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz and presented to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 4 November, serves as a standalone analysis rather than an integrated summit outcome. It will be formally tabled for G20 leaders’ consideration during future engagements, including the U.S.-hosted presidency in 2026.
The report warns of an “inequality emergency,” exacerbated by events like COVID-19, the Ukraine conflict, and recent trade disputes, and calls for an International Panel on Inequality modeled after the IPCC. Phiri emphasized its role in guiding long-term policy coordination among G20 nations.
These clarifications come amid the summit’s broader successes, including the procedural vote on the declaration led by Ramaphosa, despite the U.S. boycott and ongoing diplomatic tensions over the presidency handover. South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, with Phiri noting the forum’s resilience in advancing equitable global agendas.