On December 1 South Africa will assume the G20 presidency. This is a critical opportunity for the country and the African continent to positively influence global economic and social policy.
This moment arrives at a time of immense global change. With the US facing a Republican-controlled Senate and White House from January, and a US G20 presidency set for 2026, South Africa’s role becomes even more vital.
To safeguard equitable development, climate action, and social justice in line with its actions to protect the rights of the people of Palestine, South Africa must approach its G20 presidency with a bold and progressive agenda.
This year will be the first for AU participation and South Africa stands uniquely positioned to champion issues that affect billions of people in the Global South, including climate change, sustainable development and economic justice. But this is about more than the interests of the developing world; it’s about steering global discussions towards fairness and inclusivity, especially in light of a changing US administration.
Given the likelihood that it will take a more conservative stance on issues such as climate change and social spending, South Africa must use its presidency to lay down markers for progressive commitments that could influence G20 priorities well beyond 2025.
Progressive political leadership has become a rallying point for advocates of equitable and sustainable development, representing a commitment to policies that balance economic growth with social and environmental justice. South Africa’s presidency provides a platform to solidify commitments to these goals.
As the impact of climate change becomes more pronounced, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Africa, the need for decisive action is urgent. The UN has consistently warned that without enhanced global commitment we may not be able to prevent catastrophic environmental outcomes.
At the same time, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank highlight widening inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic. A progressive agenda is necessary to address these issues in a way that prioritises those most affected by current economic and environmental policies and gain commitments to share global public goods — as the fallout from the Covid vaccination access illustrated.
The US has traditionally held immense influence within the G20, often setting the tone for the summit’s agenda. A Republican-led administration, coupled with a conservative Senate, is likely to deprioritise climate change and shift focus away from development assistance and multilateralism, focusing instead on more inward-looking economic, trade and security policies.
By championing bold, progressive goals in 2025, South Africa can establish benchmarks for climate and economic commitments that are harder to dismantle.
The Republican Party has often voiced scepticism about climate change initiatives, with many members advocating a rollback of environmental regulations. This could mean a reduction in US contributions to international climate finance, a blow to developing countries that depend on these funds to implement their own climate adaptation measures.
Additionally, the US may prioritise deregulation, reducing support for collective commitments aimed at reducing emissions, and instead emphasise short-term economic growth over long-term environmental responsibility.
South Africa’s 2025 presidency serves as a bulwark against this anticipated shift. By championing bold, progressive goals in 2025, South Africa can establish benchmarks for climate and economic commitments that are harder to dismantle.
South Africa has an unprecedented opportunity to lead an agenda that promotes the meeting of the Sustainable Development Goals and broad sustainable economic development and meaningful climate action, particularly for developing nations that have long been sidelined in G20 deliberations. This ambition should include three primary goals:
Climate justice
Africa is among the continents least responsible for global emissions yet disproportionately affected by climate impacts. South Africa must use its presidency to push for significant climate finance commitments from the G20, emphasising grants rather than loans to ensure that vulnerable countries are not plunged further into debt. Additionally, it can lead the charge in demanding accountability from large emitters, insisting on clear, actionable climate commitments that are tied to timelines and specific goals. Loss and damage reparations are a further topic that South Africa can advance as part of the financing discussions.
Economic justice
The G20 must address the growing disparity in wealth both within and between nations. South Africa can advocate for debt relief and reforms to the global financial system that support sustainable development in the Global South. By prioritising international tax reform and fair-trade policies, South Africa can help ensure that developing economies retain more of their wealth, which is better for all.
Social protection systems
The pandemic highlighted the fragility of social safety nets worldwide, particularly in developing nations. South Africa should push for a global framework on social protection, encouraging G20 nations to adopt universal basic income programmes, strengthen women's and worker’s rights, and commit to universal quality healthcare. South Africa’s presidency will require building alliances within the G20, particularly with countries that share its commitment to sustainable development and social justice. By working closely with nations such as Brazil, India and Indonesia, South Africa can foster a coalition that represents the interests of developing economies and can counterbalance wealthier, more conservative members. But even more, South Africa’s progressive position could also resonate with Europe and other progressive allies, creating a united front.
On the stage of global diplomacy, many governments prepare conservative declarations to guarantee that these will receive broad if not universal support from other member states. As South Africa prepares for its G20 presidency, it must adopt a bold, progressive vision that acknowledges the complex and urgent challenges of our time.
• Frye is executive director of the Social Policy Initiative.
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