Pretoria: South Africa’s G20 Education Working Group Presidency will focus on equipping young people with skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said this includes training in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister gave details of her recent visit to Fortaleza, Brazil, where she accepted the handover of the 2025 Presidency of the G20 Education Working Group on behalf of South Africa. She described this as a historic moment for the nation, placing South Africa at the center of the global education agenda for the coming year. The G20 Education Working Group is seen as a powerful platform for collaboration, uniting some of the world’s leading economies to address pressing educational issues.
Under South Africa’s presidency, the focus will be on ‘Educational Professionals for Solidarity, Equality and Sustainable Development,’ reflecting the country’s commitment to advancing education to support econ
omic growth, social equity, and a future-ready workforce. The priorities include quality foundational learning, mutual recognition of qualifications across borders, and developing educational professionals equipped for a rapidly changing world.
Minister Gwarube emphasized that these areas are critical for both South Africa and developing nations worldwide, as they prepare learners for an AI-powered future. The presidency will highlight the importance of preparing young people with skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as artificial intelligence, large language models, robotics, and emerging technologies.
In an era of rapid technological change, Gwarube stressed the need for education systems to adapt and evolve to equip learners with relevant, future-ready skills. Through the G20 platform, the sector aims to foster greater international cooperation, sharing best practices, resources, and innovations to support this goal.
One key goal of South Africa’s presidency will be to advocate for
an inclusive and equitable education approach that reflects the diverse needs of all learners. Prioritizing the voices and perspectives of developing nations, the aim is to ensure the G20 Education Agenda aligns with the aspirations of learners worldwide. By addressing challenges faced by resource-constrained regions, an educational framework can be created that leaves no learner behind.
The Minister explained that this leadership role is both a responsibility and a tremendous opportunity for South Africa. The country is committed to advancing education that is not only accessible but transformative, empowering individuals, supporting communities, and driving sustainable development. By taking on this role, South Africa is not only supporting its learners but contributing to a global movement prioritizing growth, safety, and wellbeing of all children.
As South Africa steps into the presidency of the G20 Education Working Group, Minister Gwarube noted the immense potential for education to change lives, driv
e innovation, and build a resilient, future-ready nation. She expressed her anticipation for engaging with global partners and advancing an agenda that will equip learners worldwide for the demands of tomorrow. South Africa will hold the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025.