The Group of 20 summit is kicking off in South Africa and no US government officials will attend. Today, as world leaders gather in South Africa, Andrew Peach takes a look the agenda for the G20 and asks whether it matters that Donald Trump isn't there.

At the annual meeting of the world’s major economic powers, U.S. objections are blocking the usual policy statements, highlighting the president’s distaste for multilateralism — and compromise.

The G20's role in fixing economic crises is threatened by geopolitical fractures, leaders warned Saturday at a summit in South Africa boycotted by the United States.European leaders attending the G20 summit -- the first held in Africa -- huddled on its sidelines to push back at a unilateral plan by US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war in Ukraine on terms favouring Russia.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa claims the U.S. requested G20 attendance while the White House maintains it will boycott the November conference.

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa's president said on Thursday (Nov 20) the US had signalled it might change its mind and participate in the G20 summit in Johannesburg after a boycott by the Trump administration,

When South African President Cyril Ramaphosa formally hands over the G20 presidency at the closing ceremony, there will be no leader waiting to receive it.