Johannesburg is gearing up to host the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit this November, marking a milestone in South Africa’s G20 presidency.
Since December 2024, South Africa has convened 51 meetings on urgent global challenges.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola highlighted four key priorities: strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Despite divergent views, South Africa’s G20 presidency enjoys "overwhelming support," Lamola said at a media briefing in Pretoria.
Asked about lower attendance by officials from the United States, he stressed that "the United States has the right to decide its participation in any of the G20 meetings or not," and reaffirmed that the door remains open to all members.
He warned that "unilateral actions that undermine the rules-based order risk reversing decades of progress" and emphasized that multilateral cooperation is paramount.
Lamola also welcomed recent talks between China and the United States on the trade war, describing them as "in the interest of the world" and crucial for finding solutions through engagement.
As the countdown to November continues, Johannesburg is poised to host a summit that could shape global policies on resilience, finance, climate and trade.
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South Africa ready to host G20 Leaders' Summit, says foreign minister
cgtn.com
