Johannesburg: As the world grapples with the urgent challenges of climate change, economic instability, and widening inequality, South Africa’s G20 Presidency stands as a beacon of hope. South Africa is leading a bold agenda that places Africa and the wider Global South at the heart of global decision-making, guided by the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.’
According to South African Government News Agency, in the lead-up to the G20 Summit on 22-23 November 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa has used every preparatory meeting and platform to ensure that the voices and priorities of emerging and developing economies shape a fairer, more resilient global future. South Africa’s message is clear, wealthy economies must confront the hard truth of global inequality. As a nation that has lived through the pain of division and injustice of apartheid, the country cannot remain silent while millions across Africa and the Global South continue to carry the weight of an unfair world order.
Today’s global sy
stem still favours the wealthy, leaving developing countries trapped in cycles of debt and struggle. With fewer resources to invest in critical areas like poverty reduction, healthcare, and education, they are denied the chance to unlock their full potential. Climate change deepens these injustices, stripping people of dignity and opportunity. Inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa is called to act and speak for those who cannot, to challenge exclusion, and to build a fair and inclusive future for all.
Since December 2024, South Africa has hosted more than 130 meetings from ministerial gatherings in Durban to youth summits in Johannesburg, amplifying voices from small businesses, young leaders, and think tanks across the Global South. These efforts have driven real change, pressing for fairer voting rights in institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation. Experts from the Global South have helped shape G20 task forces on jobs, food security, and Artific
ial Intelligence to make sure policies meet real-world needs of all nations.
A central focus of the Presidency is reforming the global financial system. South Africa is working to reshape multilateral development banks so that they better serve sustainable development, making financing more accessible and trade fairer, so that developing nations have the tools they need to grow and thrive. The G20 agenda prioritises mobilising finance for a just energy transition, pushing for larger, better-quality climate funding, ensuring the transition is both environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. The agenda also highlights the urgent need to strengthen disaster resilience and support vulnerable nations as they recover and rebuild.
Through its Presidency, South Africa has brought together diverse voices to advance a fairer global system. The country’s leadership is already rewriting the rules of global cooperation, remaining confident that as the Global South takes its rightful seat at the table, it will pa
ve the way for a more inclusive, just, and resilient world.
