The Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD), associated with UNISA, the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), and the University of Johannesburg (Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation) will jointly spearhead this crucial initiative.

The T20 serves as a platform for research institutions and experts to provide evidence-based policy recommendations to the G20. The South African T20 organisers will facilitate discussions and consolidate inputs from all members into actionable proposals for consideration by G20 leaders.

South Africa’s G20 presidency will focus on the theme of ‘Solidarity, Inclusion and Sustainability’, with key priorities including: hunger and poverty; debt and development; inclusion; just transition; sustainable financing for development; reform of the international financial architecture; strengthening the WTO; digital transformation; and governance of critical minerals.

Under the helm of the IGD, SAIIA, and the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation, the T20 South Africa will play a critical role in shaping the G20 agenda by organising thematic task forces, producing policy briefings, and facilitating dialogues to generate innovative solutions to these global challenges.

“We receive this mandate with great humility. We look forward to working closely with government and other G20 engagement groups for concrete progress on the reform of global economic governance,” said Dr. Philani Mthembu, executive director of IGD, speaking for the three organisations.

“The T20 South Africa will build on the work of previous presidencies, including Brazil, and prioritise engagement with diverse stakeholders. In this way, the South African T20 aims to forge inclusive solutions and bridge geopolitical divides while ultimately striving for just outcomes,” SAIIA chief executive Ms. Elizabeth Sidiropoulos said.

South Africa’s inaugural G20 Presidency in 2025 carries immense significance as the first-ever G20 meeting on African soil. It is an important opportunity to elevate the continent’s developmental priorities and its role in shaping the global economic agenda.

“We as the T20 organising committee are committed to ensuring that pan-African interests and perspectives are meaningfully integrated into the T20 process and its outcomes. This is essential in contributing to an impactful G20,” said Prof. Siphamandla Zondi, director of IPATC.