South Africa is set to leverage its G20 Presidency, which it took over at the beginning of this month, to further the shared goals of its member countries. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, made this announcement while delivering the opening remarks at the first G20 Sherpas meeting.
The presidency is being held under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” which seeks to unite global efforts and resources to tackle the immense challenges currently faced by the world.
Lamola outlined that South Africa’s leadership in the G20 will focus on securing urgent progress in various key areas.
These priorities include strengthening disaster resilience and response, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income nations, mobilising finance for a just energy transition, and promoting inclusive growth through the utilisation of critical minerals.
The Minister emphasised that the country’s approach would be rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which advocates for shared humanity. This spirit will guide South Africa’s presidency as it pushes for high-level deliverables and prioritises promoting strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth through global partnerships.
In line with these goals, the South African government plans to establish several temporary task forces, an initiative, and a commission during its presidency.
These will focus on issues such as inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, reducing inequality, food security, and the role of artificial intelligence and data governance in sustainable development.
Additionally, Lamola mentioned a significant reflection on the work of the G20 titled “The G20 at 20 years: A Reflection on Key Achievements and the Way Forward,” which will be a part of South Africa’s Sherpa Track Initiative.
The government is also proposing the establishment of a Cost of Capital Commission to further economic development within the group.
In continuing the progress made by the Brazilian G20 Presidency, South Africa aims to enhance the G20’s role as a platform for democratic global engagement.
This will be achieved through an inclusive dialogue with civil society, state, and non-state institutions. Lamola noted that, similar to Brazil's efforts, South Africa will host a G20 Social Forum before the Leaders’ Summit in November 2025.
This forum will bring together representatives from existing engagement groups and other civil society sectors to contribute to the G20 discussions.
The Minister stressed that the need for multilateral cooperation and adherence to universal values, shared norms, and strong multilateral institutions is more pressing than ever.
Lamola underscored that multilateral institutions, particularly those with economic and developmental mandates, need to be strengthened and reformed to effectively resolve global challenges.
He reaffirmed the importance of the United Nations in this approach, stating that the UN must remain at the centre of global efforts to promote peace and development.
Lamola also addressed the current geopolitical challenges that threaten international cooperation and multilateralism. The world is facing unprecedented challenges, such as climate change, slow economic growth, and deepening poverty, which require practical, mutually beneficial cooperation.
The G20 must use its platform to promote an international order that is fair, just, inclusive, and representative. The Minister called for the G20 to highlight the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which sets out a vision for the future of the continent, and to support its goals within the global framework.
The G20, comprising 19 member countries, including major economies like the US, China, India, and South Africa, as well as two regional bodies—the European Union and the African Union—accounts for approximately 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade.
This makes the group a vital player in shaping global economic policies. South Africa’s Presidency is expected to lead over 130 meetings across various sectors in the run-up to the G20 Summit in 2025.
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