From the iconic Kruger National Park, a historic moment unfolded as South Africa became the first African country to host a G20 Development Working Group (DWG) Ministerial Meeting. Held from 24–25 July 2025, this high-level engagement was chaired by Hon. Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and marked a powerful shift in global development discourse towards the priorities of the Global South.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Skukuza Safari Lodge, the meeting brought together G20 Development Ministers, invited guest countries, and international organisations under the theme of South Africa’s G20 Presidency: “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.”
In her opening remarks, Minister Ramokgopa emphasised that the challenges of our time – climate change, fragile global supply chains, persistent inequality, cannot be tackled in silos.
“South Africa’s G20 Presidency is not just about convening meetings. It is about shifting the centre of gravity in global conversations and placing people and planet at the heart of development.”
The G20 DWG Ministerial Meeting concluded with the adoption of three landmark outcomes:
- The 2025 G20 Skukuza Development Ministerial Declaration
- A Call to Action on Universal Social Protection Systems and Social Protection Floors
- A Call to Action on Combating Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs)
In addition, a Chairperson’s Statement on Global Public Goods, which includes a proposal to establish an Ubuntu Commission, was issued by the South African Presidency to guide continued dialogue and cooperation on equitable global development.
These outcomes reflect a united commitment to accelerating progress on the SDGs through inclusive, just, and transformative policies. The discussions centred around four key focus areas: expanding universal access to social protection; combating IFFs that undermine development; strengthening domestic resource mobilisation; and ensuring global public goods are equitably accessed and sustainably financed.
Ms Josephilda Nhlapo-Hlope, Chairperson of the G20 DWG and Outcome Facilitator at DPME, praised the spirit of consensus and cooperation shown by all participants:
“What we witnessed in Skukuza was more than a meeting, it was a collective recommitment to global solidarity. We are seeing a stronger voice from the Global South that is shaping the future of multilateral development cooperation.”
Beyond declarations, the meeting underscored the urgent need for global financial reform and stronger partnerships to address systemic inequities. South Africa’s leadership is already influencing the G20 agenda, with the outcomes from Skukuza set to inform deliberations at the G20 Leaders’ Summit later this year.
“From illicit finance to inclusive social protection, these agreements reflect not just what we stand for but what we stand to gain when we act together,” Minister Ramokgopa concluded.
Jesselene Pandaram is the Acting Deputy Director: Media Liaison, Content, Speechwriting and Assistant Director: Graphic Design at the Department of Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation.
