On 18 March 2025, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ, in partnership with the Embassy of South Africa in Japan, will co-host the symposium ¡°South Africa¡¯s G20 Presidency: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability ¡ª a Conversation with Japan". This event will begin at 14:30 in U Thant International Conference Hall at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Headquarters in Tokyo.
South Africa¡¯s G20 Presidency, from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, marks the first time an African nation has led the G20, providing a crucial platform to prioritize the development needs of Africa and the Global South. It also comes just five years before the deadline for achieving the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
At the conclusion of the Summit of the Future in September 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, a framework for UN Member States to strengthen international cooperation and the multilateral system. This ambitious Pact outlines key actions in several broad areas, including sustainable development, financing for development, international peace and security, science, technology and innovation, digital cooperation, youth and future generations, and global governance reform. The Summit of the Future also resulted in the adoption of the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, both annexed to the Pact.
The 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Report found that only 17% of SDG targets are on track to be achieved by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for greater resources and transformative progress, particularly for nations in the Global South. South Africa¡¯s G20 Presidency aims to drive a paradigm shift, accelerating the implementation of solutions and policies that advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Key priorities include sustainable financing for development and climate action, addressing the debt burden of countries in the Global South, food security, and harnessing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.
For this symposium, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ will welcome His Excellency Mr. Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, who will deliver a keynote address. This will be followed by a panel discussion on South Africa¡¯s G20 Presidency, along with opportunities for informal dialogue and networking.
Key questions to be explored include: What are South Africa's key goals during its G20 presidency? How can Japan and South Africa collaborate to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda? What steps are needed to ensure solidarity, equality and sustainability for all?
Please note that this event will be held in English with simultaneous interpretation in Japanese. Advance registration (by 17 March at 15:00) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page.
²ÝÁñÊÓƵ@50
This event is part of the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ 50th anniversary celebration. To learn more, visit: /unuat50
Agenda
Opening remarks
14:30 ¡ª Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Rector and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
14:35 ¡ª Ms. Arfiya Eri, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
14:40 ¡ª Ms. Anna Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Keynote speech
14:45 ¡ª H.E. Mr. Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa ¡ª "South Africa¡¯s G20 Presidency: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability ¡ª a Conversation with Japan"
Panel discussion
15:00 ¡ª Moderator: Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Rector and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
Panellists: Cabinet Ministers of South Africa
- Mr. Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
- Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Higher Education
- Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy
- Mr. John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture
- Mr. Parks Tau
Interactive session
15:30 ¡ª Interaction with the audience
Vote of thanks
15:55 ¡ª Ms. Annelize Schroeder, Charge d¡¯Affaires ad interim, Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Japan
Networking session
16:00 ¡ª Informal discussions and networking opportunities
