US must build on Global South’s G20 momentum, not undermine it

As South Africa hands over the Group of 20 presidency, something more consequential than a routine rotation is taking place. The moment marks the end of an unprecedented cycle: four consecutive presidencies led by major economies of the Global South – Indonesia, India, Brazil and South Africa. For four years, the G20 was steered by countries whose development priorities, demographic structures and geopolitical positions diverged from those of the Group of Seven.

In 2026, the gavel will pass to the United States, raising a critical question: will the agenda built by the Global South be sustained, or will it lose momentum? This question is made more urgent by Washington’s absence at this year’s summit.

Indonesia focused on post-pandemic recovery, health and digital transformation. India made a historic push to formally integrate developing countries into global economic debates, convening the “Voice of the Global South Summit” with more than 125 nations. Brazil put inequality, sustainable development and global governance reform at the forefront. South Africa strengthened this trajectory, linking global governance reform to the structural needs of developing economies, especially regarding climate finance and energy transitions.