At the upcoming Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18 and 19, Brazil will symbolically transfer the coordination of the G20 to South Africa, whose presidency officially begins on December 1. This marks a historic moment as it’s the first time the African continent, home to the world’s youngest population, will host the G20. The youth are eager to commence their work under this new leadership.

Since 2022, the G20 has been chaired by nations from the Global South, starting with Indonesia, followed by India in 2023, Brazil in 2024, and now South Africa in 2025. This continuity raises important questions about the political implications and how it will influence discussions among the world’s largest economies, both in financial and social engagement contexts.

In this transformative period, G20 Brazil engaged with South African and African Union youth representatives who participated in the Youth 20 Summit. They shared insights on the Global South agenda and the future of the G20 under South Africa’s leadership. Africa, with about 70% of its population under 30, is poised to bring a fresh perspective to global discussions. This demographic trend is expected to continue growing until 2050, according to UN data.

During discussions on Inclusion and Diversity, Lutfiyya Dean, a key figure from South Africa, emphasized the significance of this moment for developing countries. She noted that the Global South now has an opportunity to ensure their voices are heard on the international stage, creating a new narrative for development.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of developing countries in fostering global growth, reducing inequalities, and promoting environmental preservation. The African Union, newly represented at the G20, underscores the importance of youth involvement in decision-making processes.

Bora Kamwanya, Vice-President of the Pan African Youth Union, stressed the need for youth participation throughout decision-making stages, emphasizing the importance of monitoring outcomes to drive meaningful change. He called for governance that reflects contemporary and future needs, confident in the transformative impact of youth engagement.

Looking ahead to 2025, South Africa’s G20 presidency is set to build on the groundwork laid by Brazil, focusing on sustainable energy, poverty reduction, and amplifying the voice of the Global South. The presidency aims to advance public policy, sustainability, energy, and digitalization, continuing the momentum established by previous leaders.