During the closing ceremony of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South Africa officially took on the prestigious presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), marking a historic moment as the first African nation to lead the global economic forum. The ceremonial transfer of the presidency took place with a symbolic handover between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The two leaders exchanged ceremonial gavels and sealed the transition with a handshake, symbolizing a new chapter for the G20.
As the 2025 G20 presidency holder, South Africa is set to host almost 130 meetings throughout the year, bringing together the world’s leading economies to discuss critical global issues. President Ramaphosa expressed immense pride in assuming this responsibility on behalf of the South African people, emphasizing the country’s commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue. He stated, “South Africa firmly believes that civil society serves as a bridge between the G20 leaders and the people who have the greatest interest in their deliberations.”
In his speech, President Ramaphosa also praised the collective efforts of the G20 members, led by Brazil, for finalizing the G20 Rio de Janeiro Leaders’ Declaration. This declaration outlines essential actions for creating a more sustainable and equitable global future. The President expressed gratitude for the cooperative spirit among the nations, noting that even in the face of disagreements, the G20 members prioritized consensus and progress.
South Africa’s upcoming role as G20 President presents an opportunity to shape global economic and social policies, reinforcing its leadership on the world stage. With the 2025 summit on the horizon, the country is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing key issues such as economic recovery, climate change, and global health.
