SOUTH AFRICA AS PRESIDENT OF G20: ADVANCING THE ASPIRATIONS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

The G20 is an important multilateral platform which combines to constitute nearly 60% of the
global population, 80% of global GDP and 75% of global exports. Thus, the G20 is a
preeminent forum on whose stage, global economic cooperation is facilitated. Furthermore,
supporting emerging and developing economies to achieve sustainable development is vital
for global stability and security: reducing resource pressures, population movements and the
risk of conflict. This is especially important for the African Continent.

DIRCO will be in support of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G20 in Brazil. The G20 Summit represents the conclusion of the work carried out by the country holding the group’s rotating presidency. It is the moment when heads of state and government approve the agreements negotiated throughout the year
and point out ways of dealing with global challenges.

South Africa is already playing an enhanced role as a member of the G20 Troika, together
with Brazil and India, in support of one of Brazil’s foremost priorities on the reform of the Global
Governance Institutions. Here, G20 Leaders are expected to advance efforts for a
reinvigorated and strengthened multilateral system, rooted in the purposes and principles of
the UN Charter and international law, with renewed institutions and a reformed governance – one
that is more representative, effective, transparent and accountable, reflecting the social,
economic and political realities of the 21st century.

In terms of promoting the economic interests of the Global South, South Africa considers the
G20 to be an important vehicle for advancing the aspirations of developing countries, and
Africa’s development priorities in particular.

In Brazil, the G20 Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for November 18 and 19, 2024, in Rio de
Janeiro, with the presence of the leaders of the 19-member countries, plus the African Union
and the European Union. South Africa will assume the Presidency of G20 on the 1st of
December 2024. The date is still to be determined by the Presidency.