Introduction to the G20 Leaders’ Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa has provided an update to the National Assembly on South Africa’s preparations to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg this November. This event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time an African nation leads the forum of the world’s major economies. The theme of the summit is "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," reflecting the host country’s commitment to addressing global challenges through cooperation and dialogue.
Preparations and Support
The President announced that South Africa’s G20 Presidency has received strong support from G20 members, invited countries, and international organizations. With approximately 87 out of 132 official meetings already taking place, the discussions have covered some of the most pressing global issues. These meetings demonstrate South Africa’s dedication to finding sustainable and innovative solutions to global challenges through dialogue, collaboration, and cooperation.
Key Priorities
The discussions during the G20 meetings have centered on several key priorities, including:
- Strengthening disaster resilience and response
- Ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries
- Mobilizing finance for a just energy transition
- Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development
Broader Issues and Negotiations
In addition to these priorities, South Africa is also championing broader and cross-cutting issues through all the G20 Working Groups. These include reform of the multilateral trading system and the international financial architecture, including strengthening of multilateral development banks. While there are divergent views on some issues, there is strong support among G20 members for South Africa’s priorities. Negotiations on the G20 Working Group Ministerial Declarations and Outcomes are underway, with the final rounds of most Ministerial meetings scheduled for this month and October.
Significant Milestones
The Third Meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, held in July 2025, was a significant milestone. The meeting outcomes were agreed upon in a communiqué consented to by all members, covering topics such as Africa, the global economic outlook, macroeconomic stability, and sustainable finance. Furthermore, the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality was launched in August, chaired by Nobel Laureate Professor Joseph Stiglitz. This initiative aims to highlight global attention on inequality and outline practical actions to address growing disparities in income, wealth, and opportunity.
Conclusion
The G20 Ministerial Meetings are a crucial part of the G20 Leaders’ Declaration, which will be adopted at the leaders’ summit. South Africa aims to produce an ambitious Leaders’ Declaration that will promote the development agenda of the Global South, particularly the African continent. With strong support from G20 members and a focus on key priorities, the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg is poised to be a landmark event in addressing global challenges and promoting solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
