South Africa successfully concluded the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, where a range of critical global issues were discussed. The meeting, which began on Thursday and ended on Friday, marked a historic moment as it was the first G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to take place on the African continent.
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, described the event as highly significant, highlighting the productive discussions on the global geopolitical environment and its impact on international cooperation. He noted that the meeting strongly supported South Africa’s G20 presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability” and its key priorities, including strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income nations, mobilizing funds for a just energy transition, and leveraging critical minerals for inclusive growth and development.
Lamola emphasized that the discussions and insights shared during the meeting would help shape South Africa’s ongoing work within the G20 throughout 2025. He assured that all perspectives presented would be carefully considered as the presidency progresses and invited active participation from all member delegations.
One of the key concerns raised during the meeting was the slow progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). G20 foreign ministers called for urgent action to accelerate efforts in reaching these global targets. Additionally, the meeting reaffirmed the G20’s commitment to promoting sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economic growth as a fundamental aspect of the broader multilateral system.
Regarding ongoing global conflicts, the ministers reiterated the importance of all states acting in accordance with the UN Charter. The G20 expressed its commitment to supporting peace efforts in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other regions facing conflicts.
The discussions also underscored the urgent need for reforms in global governance structures, including international financial systems, the multilateral trading framework, and development banks, to create a more equitable and effective international order.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the opening session on Thursday, urged world leaders to prioritize inclusivity, cooperation, and reform as South Africa takes on the G20 presidency for the first time.
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