Latest news with #GroupofTwenty
The South African
2 days ago
- Business
- The South African
G20 Employment Working Group technical meeting kicks off
The 4th Group of Twenty (G20) Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting will kick off today in George with discussions on a various labour market issues, culminating in the development of a declaration. In a statement on Sunday, the department said the 4th G20 EWG meeting will focus on critical themes, including youth employment, gender equality in the world of work, social security and platform work, as well as addressing inequality and declining labour income share. The discussions come amidst transformations and global challenges driven by protectionism and anti-globalisation tendencies. The two-day 4th G20 EWG meeting of technical experts will conclude with a two-day Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting (LEMM) from 30-31 July. The theme of the G20 EWG stream is: 'Living and Working in an Unequal World: Ensuring Decent Work and Decent Lives'. The EWG theme is aligned to South Africa's G20 Presidency theme – 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability'. 'It is expected that the gathering will conclude with a LEMM declaration that will have been negotiated by technical experts. The declaration is also expected to build on the Brisbane (2025) to eThekwini Goal (2030) to address gender equality in the workforce,' the department said. Both the EWG and LEMM will bring together more than 150 local and international delegates, including Labour and Employment Ministers from G20 Member Countries, invited countries and international organisations. 'The G20 EWG's mandate is to address labour, employment and social issues for strong, sustainable, balanced and job-rich growth for all,' the department said. Founded in 1999 in response to several world financial economic crises, the G20 is a forum for international economic cooperation to coordinate policy aimed at achieving global economic stability and sustainable growth, promote financial regulations, and create a new international financial architecture. The G20 member countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, plus the European Union and the African Union. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
23-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
G20 South Africa 2025: a defining moment for the nation and the continent
Image: Supplied South Africa is preparing to welcome the world in 2025 as it assumes the presidency and hosts the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, a moment of national pride and continental significance. This milestone places South Africa, and by extension Africa, at the centre of global dialogue on economic growth, sustainable development, climate resilience, digital transformation, and multilateral cooperation. In the words of South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, South Africa's goal is to promote mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs and advance sustainable development for its partner nations. The Group of Twenty, commonly known as the G20, is the world's premier forum for economic cooperation. Representing more than 85% of global GDP, over 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the planet's population, the G20 convenes the most powerful economies to address pressing global challenges. As the only African founding member of the G20, South Africa's presidency could not be more timely or symbolic. At a time when the world is redefining recovery and resilience in the wake of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate disasters, South Africa brings a grounded, inclusive voice to the table, one that reflects the aspirations of the Global South and the urgent developmental needs of the African continent. Image: Supplied The G20 countries' ability to respond collectively to mounting challenges facing the multilateral system will determine both the speed of global recovery and the future of sustainable development. Under the banner of 'inclusive growth for a just world,' South Africa's leadership is expected to spotlight issues such as financing for sustainable infrastructure, the global energy transition, youth employment, food security, digital inclusion, and equitable access to global markets. These are not only global concerns, but they are also everyday realities for millions across Africa. The Summit will attract heads of state, finance ministers, central bank governors, and global institutions like the UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Beyond political leadership, the G20 also engages civil society, youth, women, labour, business, and think tanks through structured engagement groups—offering platforms for a wider range of voices to shape global policy. Johannesburg, as host city, will become a strategic hub of diplomacy, business exchange, and cultural showcase. While the summit itself is a high-level, closed-door affair, South Africans can expect a wave of public engagement, community-driven programmes, investment conversations, and national pride as the event draws near. 'The G20 presidency is a powerful opportunity for South Africa to place Africa's priorities at the heart of global decision-making. We are committed to driving an inclusive agenda that ensures no country, and no person, is left behind.' said President Cyril Ramaphosa. Image: Supplied For the South African government, this is more than ceremonial. It is an opportunity for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action. Key issues remain a challenge in the country and the continent, and there is a call for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality SA's G20 presidency is also an opportunity to elevate African perspectives, strengthen international alliances, and advance sustainable development goals. It is a chance to reinforce South Africa's commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation at a time when unity is more important than ever. As preparations intensify in the coming months, all eyes will be on South Africa not just as a host, but as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The 2025 G20 Summit is more than just a gathering of nations. It is a moment for South Africa to lead with purpose, to shape global consensus, and to drive transformation that begins on the continent but resonates across the globe. Stay updated by visiting or follow #G20SouthAfrica2025 for news, opportunities, and ways to engage.
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
G20 Sherpas convene in South Africa to shape urban policy
Tshwane Mayo Dr Nasiphi Moya and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero brief the media about the forthcoming U20 Sherpa gathering to be held in Tshwane. Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers Over the next few days, 96 U20 Sherpas from G20 member cities will be leading discussions and crafting policy recommendations - hosted by the Cities of Tshwane and Johannesburg. The Group of Twenty (G20) is an international forum for global economic and financial cooperation, bringing together the world's largest economies and South Africa holds the presidency of the G20 this year. The City is ready for this landmark occasion, Tshwane Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said. She gave the assurance that the City of Tshwane, where this first Urban 20 Sherpa Meeting and African Mayors Assembly will take place - a first on African soil - is geared for the occasion. 'This is a landmark moment for our capital city. It is also a turning point in the story of how cities, particularly African cities, are stepping forward to shape the future of our urban world,' Moya said during a media briefing on Monday. It is the first time the Urban 20 convenes on the African continent. Moya said it comes at a time when the global context demands urgency, unity, and bold leadership. Cities will align their voices and set out a shared vision for urban progress. 'Across South Africa and around the world, cities are grappling with the interconnected challenges of climate change, inequality, and economic strain. These pressures require more than conversation. They call for coordination, commitment, and action.' Moya added that by hosting the U20 Sherpa Meeting and the African Mayors Assembly, we are ensuring that Africa's voice is not only present but actively shaping the G20 agenda at the highest level. She explained that while the issues we face are global, the most effective solutions are local. Cities are where policy meets reality. 'African cities, with all their complexity, determination, and creativity, are central to building a more just and sustainable future.' The U20 will for the first time also take place alongside a dedicated African Mayors Assembly - a platform for addressing our continent's specific priorities. From climate adaptation to equitable service delivery, the Assembly will ensure that Africa's urban agenda is meaningfully reflected in the final Communiqué, Moya said. As part of this week's programme, the U20 Schools Legacy Programme will also be launched at Groenkloof Nature Reserve. It aims to equip young people with the practical skills, exposure, and inspiration they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. On June 14, some of the City's most iconic sites, such as the Union Buildings, Dinokeng Game Reserve, and Freedom Park, will be showcased to the delegates attending the U20 meeting scheduled for later this week.. Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero meanwhile explained that four priorities are tabled that would anchor the U20 agenda—each deeply reflective of South Africa's developmental trajectory but also resonant with global urban realities. The first is economic opportunities and urban financing, which will focus on unlocking investment pipelines for cities and closing the growing infrastructure gap. Climate action and urban resilience will also come under the spotlight, recognising that cities must be proactive planners in an age of climate disruption.
Daily Maverick
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
G20 remains ‘premier forum' despite US absence, insists SA Reserve Bank governor
Lesetja Kganyago told a Washington think tank that the Group of Twenty could return to its 'previous levels of excellence', despite fundamental problems, notably its 'overloaded and unfocused agenda'. South African Reserve Bank (SARB) governor Lesetja Kganyago has strongly defended the relevance of the Group of Twenty (G20) as the 'premier forum for international economic cooperation' despite mounting challenges, including the conspicuous absence of US President Donald Trump from recent proceedings. In a candid keynote address at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC on Tuesday, Lesetja Kganyago – speaking while South Africa holds the G20 presidency – acknowledged the forum's diminishing effectiveness since its pivotal role during the global financial crisis but remained optimistic about its future. 'When we say that the G20's relevance is fading, I think we mean that the agenda, always rich in topics, is overloaded and too complex,' Kganyago told the think tank audience. His remarks come as global economic governance is at a crossroads. While not explicitly mentioning the Trump administration in his address, the timing of his words speaks volumes. Since returning to office in January the US president has shown little interest in multilateral forums like the G20, preferring bilateral negotiations that align with his 'America First' approach. The SARB governor highlighted how the G20 'functions best in a global crisis' when 'minds are focused and participants move quickly'. This observation takes on particular significance against the backdrop of American disengagement from the forum that once coordinated the global response to the 2008 financial crisis. Decisive in a crisis Kganyago credited the G20's historical success to its inclusive membership and manageable size, saying these characteristics allowed for decisive action during past crises, including global regulatory reforms that strengthened the financial system and coordinated responses during the Covid-19 pandemic. There was also no shying away from identifying fundamental issues plaguing the G20, notably its 'overloaded and unfocused agenda'. He observed that each new presidency tends to add more items than are removed, burdening the institution with problems beyond its scope. 'It does not follow that, just because something is important, it should be on the G20's agenda. There are many important issues for which the G20 is not the right forum.' He also highlighted procedural inefficiencies that have hampered the forum's effectiveness. 'In addition to the G20's 21 members we also have a roster of invited countries and many international organisations. Counting these invited participants, we had a total of 52 countries and institutions at our recent finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Cape Town,' he noted, explaining that such large gatherings make 'spontaneous conversations and robust debates' challenging. Compound challenges These operational challenges are compounded when major powers like the US send lower-level representatives or engage minimally in proceedings – a pattern that has become increasingly apparent in recent months. To address these structural weaknesses Kganyago proposed several reforms. He advocated for 'shorter statements, written in plain language' to replace lengthy communiqués, and suggested a more intentional approach to selecting discussion topics. 'Narrowing the G20's scope might make for more focused discussions that say something more meaningful about the top two or three priorities chosen each year,' he argued. Permanent secretariat There was also the possibility of establishing a permanent G20 secretariat to retain institutional knowledge beyond the annual rotating presidency. 'I cannot say I'm convinced a secretariat for each standalone track is a good idea, but maybe it is better than what we have now,' he mused, acknowledging the potential complications. What makes Kganyago's defence of the G20 particularly notable is that it comes during South Africa's presidency of the forum – a position that carries prestige and responsibility. His frank assessment suggests a determination to address the G20's shortcomings rather than simply glossing over them during South Africa's tenure. A time for reinvigoration Despite these challenges, Kganyago concluded his address by reaffirming the G20's importance. While he acknowledged that global cooperation is inherently difficult, he emphasised that 'the alternatives are worse'. He expressed optimism that, with 'concerted effort', the G20 could return to its 'previous levels of excellence' – though the path forward remains uncertain in an era of resurgent nationalism and unilateralism. As the international community navigates this period of geopolitical flux, Kganyago's call for reform and focus may represent one of the last best hopes for reinvigorating a forum increasingly challenged by the changing priorities of its most powerful members. DM
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
India offers to bridge East Asia, Middle East, Africa
NEW DELHI: India is offering itself as a bridge between East Asia, the Middle East and beyond to Africa, the country's External Affairs Minister, ", has said. 'India is positioned as an ideal hub for Japanese companies seeking to expand into Africa and the Middle East,' Jaishankar said at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum. 'India's deep and longstanding engagement with Africa can make it a natural bridge, whether geographically or in the industrial value chain,' he said. The Minister envisioned Japan's financial resources and potential for investments, India's industrial base as well as digital capacities and African's talent and consumption coming together to create beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders, including those in West Asia. 'India and Japan can also collaborate to strengthen resilient supply chains for Africa and the Middle East, particularly in critical and emerging sectors,' Jaishankar said. 'As the Global South emerges as the future driver of economic growth, it is imperative that we ensure its aspirations and interests are fully represented on the global stage.' He pointed out that the African Union's full membership in the Group of Twenty (G20) was successfully ensured at the G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023.
