South Africa will hold the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, only five years before the deadline of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda. (World leaders came together in 2015 and made a historic promise to secure the rights and well-being of everyone on a healthy, thriving planet when they adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)).

In a significant announcement that echoes beyond the borders of South Africa, Johannesburg has been selected to host the G20 Summit in 2025. This global event promises to attract thousands of international delegates, placing the city firmly in the international spotlight. As the first African nation to host the summit, South Africa has a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of emerging economies, particularly those in Africa, on critical global issues such as economic development, climate resilience, and inclusive growth. The summit will also enhance South Africa’s diplomatic and economic standing, reinforcing its leadership role within the continent.

To tackle the global poly-crisis, South Africa has embraced the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” for its G20 Presidency. The high-level deliverables and priorities under this theme lie at the core of the original G20 mandate of promoting Strong, Sustainable, Balanced, and Inclusive Growth. The country aims to use its presidency to advocate for a fairer global economic system, climate justice, and stronger partnerships between developing and developed nations. Particular focus areas include addressing global debt burdens, ensuring fair trade practices, and leveraging technological advancements for economic transformation.

South Africa fully supports the approach of strengthening partnerships and expanding dialogue with a wide range of actors, including States, international organizations, and civil society, to collectively shape the G20’s approach to issues requiring international cooperation. By fostering collaboration among G20 members, South Africa hopes to drive consensus on pressing global challenges, such as food security, energy transitions, and digital transformation. The country’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing discussions on Africa’s economic integration, sustainable infrastructure development, and the reform of global financial institutions to better serve developing nations.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency represents a pivotal moment not only for the country but for the entire African continent. By leveraging its leadership role, South Africa has the opportunity to drive global policy discussions that prioritize sustainable development, economic inclusivity, and equitable growth. The upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg will serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and transformative action, positioning South Africa as a champion of Africa’s economic and social advancement on the world stage.

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