Defining South Africa’s Priorities: A Roundtable Discussion on its G20 Presidency

As we continue to promote the discussion and development of economic policy in Southern Africa, we welcome the collaboration between the South African and United Kingdom Governments in identifying South Africa’s growth, climate change and trade policy priorities ahead of the G20 Summit, which will be hosted by South Africa in 2025. The South African presidency of the G20 in 2025 will be the first G20 process led by an African country.

The first event in this international economic partnership, which is funded by the UK government, in collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and National Treasury, involves a round table discussion, the purpose of which is to identify the priorities for South Africa’s G20 Presidency. It is expected to facilitate the process towards defining South Africa’s priorities for its 2025 G20 presidency by describing the main global issues, discussing the South African position with respect to them, and aiming to co-ordinate the actions of the largest countries in the world. This constitutes an opportunity to have global discussion on issues that are particularly relevant for the South African economy and society, but also for the African continent. Additionally, it will look to address the previous G20 commitments and processes and their impact on Africa in general.

Chatham House Rules will be applied. Ideally, all participants should be in the room, though virtual participation will be permitted if required. Refreshments will be served before and after the event, where there will be an opportunity to meet and network with the other participants.

The G20 Roundtable agenda is outlined below:

G20 Round Table Discussion: Defining South African priorities in its G20’s presidency
Facilitators	Max Mendez-Parra, Kathy Nicolaou-Manias Chatham House Rules will apply
9:00 – 9:30	Refreshments
9:30 – 9:40	Introduction by Facilitator
9:40 – 10:00	Opening remarks:
9:40 – 9:50	G20 Sherpa: Director General, Mr Zane Dangor (DIRCO) (10 minutes): Highlight general South African objectives on international policy that will provide context to its G20 Presidency
09:50 – 10:20	Presentation:
10:00 – 10:20	Prof Michael Jacobs (ODI) (30 minutes): Presentation will bring some contextual information about the last G20 Presidencies including the Brazilian Presidency and provide highlights on relevant thematic areas of interest
10:20 – 12:10	Informal Discussion:
10:20 – 10:55	Panellist interventions Round 1 (35 minutes): There will be an initial ‘round’ of interventions by participants to reflect on the previous discussion. This will be limited to interventions of no more than 3 minutes Professor Zondi Dr Maximiliano Mendez-Para Elizabeth Sideropoulos Professor van Nieuwkerk Hazel Granger Professor Lopes Professor Schoeman Professor Bradlow Mikatekiso Kubayi
10:55 – 11:05	Responses (10 minutes): Reactions from panellists
11:05 – 11:40	Panellist interventions Round 2 focusing on priorities (35 minutes): A second ‘round’ of interventions by participants highlighting priorities (2 minutes)
11:40 – 12:00	Wrap up and next steps (20 minutes)
12:00 – 13:00	Finger Lunch and refreshments

This is a closed event and potential attendees will be invited personally. 