Finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the Group of 20 developed and developing nations convened in South Africa for a two-day meeting, with notable absences including U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other high-profile figures. The U.S. administration's criticism of South Africa and its G20 themes led to Bessent's absence, citing prior commitments in Washington.
South Africa, the first African nation to hold the rotating G20 presidency, has emphasized addressing issues affecting poorer countries such as debt relief and climate change. The G20 comprises major economies, the European Union, and African Union, representing a significant portion of the global population and GDP.
