G20 Social Summit – Welcoming & Opening Ceremony | South Africa 2025

The G20 Social Summit convened in Johannesburg, South Africa—the first on African soil—bringing together dignitaries, civil society leaders, engagement groups, and representatives from the AU and UN under the themes of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. Key speeches by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Premier Panyaza Lesufi, AU's Dr. William Karu, AUDA-NEPAD CEO Nardos Bekele-Thomas, UNDP's Ahunna Eziakonwa, and former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka highlighted civil society's essential role in global governance, Africa's demands for equity amid resource disparities and climate impacts, and initiatives for youth, women, and inclusive growth aligned with Agenda 2063 and SDGs. The event aims to produce actionable declarations influencing the G20 Leaders' Summit, fostering people-centered policies to combat inequality, poverty, and injustice worldwide.