G20 2025 Summit: A Win for Multilateralism
- Kamogelo Theledi
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
When President Cyril Ramaphosa hammered the wooden gavel to close the historic G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, he did more than mark the end of a two-day gathering. He signalled to the world that multilateralism, despite facing its most severe test in years, remains resilient. The first G20 Summit held on African soil concluded as a diplomatic triumph, effectively refuting the notion that developing nations will passively wait for invitations to shape the international agenda.
In the context of geopolitical upheavals, the rising tide of inequality, and the first-ever diplomatic boycott of the G20 Summit by the world's largest economy, the Leaders' Declaration issued from the South African G20 Presidency embodies the principles of unity, equality, and sustainability. What’s more remarkable is that the Leaders' Declaration was achieved on the first day of the summit itself, marking the first time this has occurred in the history of the G20 Summits.
The Declaration marks a pivotal moment in the history of Africa and the developing world as a whole. For the first time in the history of the G20, the concerns of the Global South did not appear in footnotes but took centre stage. As Ramaphosa noted while speaking at the Summit, “nothing should diminish the value, stature, and impact of the first African G20 Presidency.”
The Declaration presents a set of commitments that strongly reinforce the work Futurelect is doing across the continent. One of the most notable areas of alignment is women’s empowerment and leadership. The declaration emphasises the need for women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in political, economic and public life. It goes further by committing to ending gender-based violence, advancing women's access to finance and markets, and supporting women’s leadership in peacebuilding processes. These priorities align with Futurelect’s mission to empower women to run for office, influence policy, and lead with integrity across all levels of governance.
Overall, the Declaration marks a significant step toward fostering a more equitable and representative global order. By advocating for reforms that amplify Africa’s voice in international governance, the declaration aligns itself with the principles of ethical leadership, accountability, and inclusivity championed by Futurelect. These commitments underscore the urgent need for continued progress toward truly democratic global institutions that reflect the diversity and aspirations of all nations.
