With 100 days left before the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa is intensifying its preparations for the historic event, which will be the first of its kind to take place on African soil. The country’s G20 presidency is nearing its climax, having already hosted 87 out of 132 scheduled meetings across both Sherpa and Finance tracks.
As the summit approaches, the remaining ministerial meetings in September are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration. The declaration will be guided by the themes of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” which aim to set the global economic agenda for the summit. Key issues to be addressed include global inequality and sovereign debt burdens, with President Cyril Ramaphosa launching a G20 taskforce to examine wealth disparities and propose remedies. The taskforce, chaired by Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, underscores the importance of finding solutions to these pressing global challenges.
The upcoming summit has also been marked by speculation over the attendance of US President Donald Trump, who has expressed disapproval of South African policies, particularly land reform. Despite this, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has reiterated that South Africa’s invitation to President Trump stands, emphasizing the country’s flexibility amid diplomatic tensions. The minister’s statement suggests that South Africa is committed to proceeding with the summit regardless of President Trump’s attendance.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit is significant not only for South Africa but also for the global community, as it provides a platform for world leaders to discuss and address pressing economic and social issues. With the summit just months away, all eyes are on Johannesburg as the city prepares to host this historic event. The outcomes of the summit are expected to have far-reaching implications for global economic policy and cooperation, making it a closely watched event on the international calendar. As the countdown begins, South Africa’s preparations are on track, and the country is ready to play host to the world’s leaders in November.
