Pretoria: The Group of 20 (G20) Social Summit kicked off with a spirited cultural programme, where delegates and invited guests were entertained by groups, which showcased South Africa's rich cultural heritage. The three-day summit, which began on Tuesday, saw thousands of delegates from all walks of life gather at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, to air their views ahead of the long-awaited G20 Leaders' Summit, taking place over the weekend.
According to South African Government News Agency, the three-day G20 Social Summit is designed as an inclusive platform to amplify the voices of civil society, grassroots organisations, and communities. In a groundbreaking moment for international diplomacy, the G20 Summit has landed on African soil for the first time, marking a pivotal chapter in global governance. The summit, hosted in South Africa, is emerging as a powerful platform for challenging existing global power structures and demanding meaningful African representation.
Dr William Carew, representing the African Union's Economic, Social and Cultural Council, delivered a passionate address that cut to the heart of the continent's long-standing marginalisation. He stressed Africa's determination to author its own narrative and highlighted critical disparities, noting Africa's substantial natural resources and youthful population yet limited influence in global economic decision-making.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's welcoming remarks set a tone of hope and transformation, emphasizing cooperation to make the world a better place. Professor Narnia Bohler-Muller, representing the G20 engagement groups, further amplified the call for systemic change, noting the current global crises and the opportunity to reimagine global governance.
The delegates' core message resonated with the principle of Ubuntu - 'I am because you are' - a philosophy of interconnectedness and mutual responsibility. They emphasized the importance of African agency and demanded recognition, respect, and genuine partnership in solving global challenges. Dr Carew reiterated that the summit is a demand for justice rather than charity or concession.
The G20 Social Summit stands as a landmark moment, signalling a potential shift from a world order built on historical inequities to one founded on genuine solidarity, equality, and shared prosperity. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to deliver the keynote address at the Social Summit this afternoon.