The United Nations (UN) has examined the G20’s role in addressing global issues with General Assembly President Philemon Yang, emphasising that as the Pact of the Future is put into effect, the G20 will be essential in lowering inequality, obtaining more resources, and negotiating better terms for development funding.
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and the UN’s G20 Sherpa, Li Junhua, highlighted the G20’s responsibility in addressing climate change.
“The G20, as the world’s largest economies, plays a key role in keeping the 1.5-degree temperature rise limit within reach,” he said.
He hinted that South Africa’s G20 Presidency provides an opportunity to promote collective efforts for a successful COP30 and to support clean energy transitions through partnerships like the Just Energy Transition Partnership.
The upcoming G20 summit will focus on solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
Zane Dangor, South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, explained that solidarity aims to create a people-centred and inclusive future.
He emphasised that global challenges affect all nations and that equality means ensuring fair opportunities regardless of economic status, gender, or location.
Dangor also stressed the importance of sustainability, stating, “We must meet today’s needs without harming future generations.”
He outlined plans to strengthen disaster resilience, improve debt sustainability for low-income nations, and address the high cost of capital in developing countries, especially in Africa.
Additionally, he highlighted efforts to secure financing for clean energy transitions and utilise critical minerals for sustainable development.
The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 was welcomed as a significant step in amplifying Africa’s voice in global economic discussions. This move aims to ensure that Africa’s development priorities and those of the Global South are permanently recognised on the G20 agenda.
The G20 is an economic forum comprising 19 countries and two regional unions—the European Union (EU) and, more recently, the African Union (AU).
It represents 85% of the global economy, 75% of world trade, and 67% of the world’s population. South Africa assumed the G20 presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025.
