Guided by the African philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – South Africa, the current G20 President, has adopted an ambitious theme for its presidency: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” This comes at a time when the world is grappling with multiple overlapping crises, including climate change, rising inequality, debt distress, geopolitical instability and stalled progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With the UN warning that only 12% of SDG targets are currently on track, South Africa’s G20 priorities, as outlined in official G20 website, are shaped by this sense of urgency and are reflected in the core focus areas of its G20 presidency.
Key G20 Presidency priorities for South Africa
1. Strengthening disaster resilience: With climate-induced natural disasters increasing in frequency and severity, South Africa aims to elevate global coordination on post-disaster relief and reconstruction, urging reforms in international financial institutions and wider private-sector involvement.
2. Ensuring debt sustainability: Unsustainable debt burdens in low-income nations—especially in Africa – remain a major obstacle to inclusive development. South Africa plans to push for fairer credit ratings, lower risk premiums, and comprehensive debt relief mechanisms. A proposed Cost of Capital Commission will examine structural issues that drive up borrowing costs for developing economies.
3. Mobilising finance for a just energy transition: Recognising that climate action and development must go hand-in-hand, South Africa to seek stronger climate finance flows, expanded multilateral development bank capacities, and support for country-led transition platforms such as Just Energy Transition Partnerships.
4. Leveraging critical minerals for inclusive development: As demand for minerals used in clean energy technologies rises, South Africa to advocate for fair value-sharing so resource-rich communities benefit from extraction.
According to G20 website, South Africa also plans to carry forward initiatives from previous presidencies, including reforms in international taxation, pandemic preparedness, and financing for development. As part of the G20 Troika – comprising Brazil (past), South Africa (current) and the United States (incoming) – the country aims to deliver a presidency defined by inclusivity, cooperation and resilience.