South Africa is set to host the G20 foreign ministers summit in Johannesburg, marking a historic moment as the first African country to assume the G20 presidency. However, the US will not attend the two-day meeting that begins on Thursday.
South Africa’s G20 leadership will focus on key global issues such as disaster resilience, debt sustainability, a just energy transition and the role of critical minerals in promoting inclusive growth, under the theme of Solidarity, Equity, Sustainability.
Speaking at a press briefing with lawyer Nokukhanya Jele on Wednesday, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo confirmed that representatives from more than 30 countries, including Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the summit.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has decided to withdraw from the meeting, citing Washington’s recent suspension of aid to South Africa. The decision comes in response to South Africa’s new land appropriation law and its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the war in Gaza.
G20 Leadership and Global Influence
The G20 presidency rotates annually among member countries, as the forum has no permanent secretariat. South Africa assumed the presidency in 2024 after securing permanent membership in late 2023, following Brazil’s term.
The G20 includes 19 countries, along with the European Union and the African Union. Its members collectively account for 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.