South Africa is gearing up to welcome world leaders to the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Johannesburg in 2025, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola announced on Monday. Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, Lamola expressed confidence in the nation’s readiness to host the prestigious event.
“Significant progress has been made since December 2022, with over 51 meetings convened to address urgent global challenges,” Lamola stated. He emphasized that while there are differing views on certain issues, South Africa’s G20 presidency is receiving overwhelming support from member nations.
“The ongoing G20 discussions aim to advance our overarching priorities,” he said. “These include strengthening disaster resilience and response, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
When asked about the participation of certain nations in G20 meetings, Lamola remarked, “South Africa welcomes all G20 members who participate. Each member has the right to decide its level of involvement in any of the meetings.”
Lamola underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation, stating that it is paramount, not optional. “Unilateral actions that undermine the rules-based order risk reversing decades of progress,” he warned.
The minister also welcomed recent discussions between China and the United States regarding trade tensions. “We’ve always maintained that there shouldn’t be unilateralism when it comes to trade,” Lamola noted. “Where there are challenges, countries must engage. These are the two biggest economies, and it’s important that they find solutions in the interest of the world.”
As South Africa prepares for the summit, the nation is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing global issues and fostering cooperation among the world’s leading economies.
