Ramaphosa to open G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Johannesburg

Ramaphosa

Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially open and address the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers Meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

The two-day meeting, hosted by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, marks a significant milestone under South Africa’s G20 presidency.

South Africa, which assumed the G20 presidency in December 2024, is leading the forum under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”.

The country will oversee approximately 130 working group meetings and 23 ministerial meetings throughout the year, culminating in the G20 Leaders Summit in November 2025.

Key Issues on the Agenda

The Foreign Ministers Meeting will focus on pressing global issues, including current geopolitical tensions and a review of the G20’s impact over the past 20 years. Discussions will also cover South Africa’s High-Level Deliverables and key priorities for its presidency, including:

  • Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment, and Reducing Inequality
  • Food Security
  • Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Innovation for Sustainable Development

Since its inception in 2008, the G20 has evolved from a crisis-management forum to a broader platform tackling financial stability, climate change, sustainable development, and global health. South Africa aims to use its presidency to drive policies that foster economic cooperation and resilience.

Global Leaders Set to Engage

The meeting will bring together foreign ministers from the world’s largest economies, discussing strategies to address economic disparities and geopolitical challenges. South Africa’s diplomatic leadership in the G20 is expected to highlight Africa’s role in shaping global economic policies.

Minister Lamola stressed that this gathering is an opportunity for “meaningful engagement that prioritises the needs of the Global South while fostering multilateral cooperation”.

The outcomes of the meeting will shape discussions leading up to the G20 Leaders Summit later this year.

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