SOUTH AFRICA G20 PRESIDENCY: ADVANCING THE GLOBAL SOUTH

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.”

In the lead-up to the G20 Summit on 22–23 November 2025 in Johannesburg, we have 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, we cannot remain silent while millions across Africa and the Global South continue to carry the weight of an unfair world order.

Today’s global system 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. Our G20 Presidency turns this moral imperative into action, advancing bold reforms, dismantling barriers of past injustice, and driving policies that deliver lasting change.

We want Africa and the Global South, home to over half the world’s population and immense natural resources, to have a stronger voice. Doing so not only strengthens the fight against global challenges like climate change but also unlocks the promise of fast-growing markets and a youthful population for sustainable progress worldwide.

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 Artificial Intelligence to make sure policies meet real-world needs of all nations. Through platforms like Business 20 and Youth 20, South Africa has also made sure women, young people, and entrepreneurs have a direct say in global decisions.

A central focus of our Presidency is reforming the global financial system. We are 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.

We also know that climate change strikes the Global South hardest. That is why our G20 agenda prioritises mobilising finance for a just energy transition. We are pushing for larger, better-quality climate funding, ensuring the transition is both environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. We are also highlighting the urgent need to strengthen disaster resilience and support vulnerable nations as they recover and rebuild.

Through our Presidency, South Africa has brought together diverse voices to advance fairer global system. Our leadership is already rewriting the rules of global cooperation, and we remain confident that as the Global South takes its rightful seat at the table, it will pave the way for a more inclusive, just, and resilient world.