2 days ago
Joburg and Tshwane 'proud' to host international community
'These pressures require more than conversation, but rather co-ordination, commitment and action. By hosting these meetings, we are ensuring that Africa's voice is not only present but is actively shaping the G20 agenda at the highest level.
'As African city leaders we are told that there is a table but we do not have a seat at that table. The intent to host the African Mayors' assembly alongside the U20 Sherpa meeting is to create a table that we deserve, reflect on the challenges we are facing but also, exchange ideas in what we are doing to solve our issues,' Moya said.
Morero detailed the four priorities of the U20 agenda. He described the priorities as deeply reflective of South Africa's developmental trajectory but also resonant with global urban realities.
'The first is economic opportunities and urban financing — focused on unlocking investment pipelines for cities and closing the growing infrastructure gap, as well as climate action and urban resilience — recognising that cities must be both front-line responders and proactive planners in an age of climate disruption.
'The third pillar is social inclusion and equity — asserting that urban transformation must dismantle historical inequalities and build a future that leaves no-one behind. Lastly, digital transformation and Innovation — embracing the digital shift not as a luxury but as a public good that enhances how cities function and serve.'
Morero said these priorities were endorsed by participating cities across the G20 network and later became the foundation of the U20 communique.
'Throughout the past few months, we have deepened this agenda through a series of high-impact webinars. These platforms drew in a broad spectrum of voices — from the global north and global s outh, from academia, civil society, and the private sector — reflecting the power of shared urban dialogue in shaping solutions that are not only ambitious but grounded in real experience.
'In September, Johannesburg will host the culminating event: the U20 Mayoral Summit, from September 12 to 14. This will be a landmark occasion — not only for our city, but for our nation.
'Here, mayors, Sherpas, and city networks from across the G20 will convene to deliberate, to endorse the final U20 Communique, and to reaffirm the role of cities in solving the grand challenges of our time,' Morero said.
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