Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has declared that the world's economic "centre of gravity" is undergoing a fundamental shift, pointing to the successful conclusion of the G-20 leaders' summit in Johannesburg as evidence that substantial global progress can be achieved without United States participation.
A Summit of Significance Despite U.S. Absence
The gathering, held on November 22-23, 2025, proceeded with notable impact even after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a boycott. The boycott was initiated after Trump repeated a widely debunked claim about White Afrikaner farmers facing genocide in South Africa. Defying Washington's position that only a chairman's summary could be released from a meeting absent the U.S., the South African hosts issued a full declaration from the summit.
At a press conference in Johannesburg on Sunday, Prime Minister Carney underscored the meeting's substantial global representation. "It brought together nations representing three-quarters of the world's population, two-thirds of global GDP and three-quarters of the world's trade, and that's without the United States formally attending," Carney stated. "It's a reminder that the centre of gravity in the global economy is shifting."
Canada's Strategic Pivot and Major Investment
Carney, who took office earlier this year after a campaign that challenged Trump's tariffs and territorial suggestions, has actively worked to reduce Canada's economic reliance on its southern neighbour. His attendance at the G-20 was marked by a series of high-level meetings aimed at forging stronger international ties.
In a significant economic announcement, Carney revealed that following a November 20 meeting with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, the Gulf nation committed to a historic $70 billion investment in Canada. While specific details were not provided, Carney confirmed this represents the largest investment pledge Canada has ever received.
"We're signing new deals and finding new investors to fuel our plans for Canada's economic ambition," Carney told reporters. "We'll expand trade and catalyze investment in increased partnerships across a range of areas from AI to energy in the Indo-Pacific and Europe."
Mending Fences and Forging New Paths
The Prime Minister's diplomatic efforts extended to repairing strained international relationships. Carney confirmed he was scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Johannesburg, with the two leaders working to improve relations that were damaged in 2023 by Canada's allegation that Indian agents may have been involved in the assassination of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil—a claim New Delhi has rejected.
Carney also met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday, congratulating him on a successful summit and pledging to build closer economic ties between the two nations.
When questioned about his relationship with the U.S. administration, Carney emphasized his independence, stating he would not have his agenda dictated by President Trump. "I'll speak to him again when it matters," Carney said. "I don't have a burning issue to speak with the president about right now. When America wants to come back and have the discussions on the trade side, we will have those discussions."
The Prime Minister's comments and the outcomes of the Johannesburg summit signal a potential recalibration of global alliances and economic partnerships, with Canada positioning itself at the forefront of this evolving international landscape.
