Cairo G20 Meeting Highlights Food Security, Global South Representation

The Group of 20 convened in Cairo this week in a landmark meeting that marked the first time the summit has been held in a non-member state since its inception. The move is seen as a clear signal of international confidence in Egypt’s growing regional and global influence.

Hosting the meeting underscored Egypt’s role as a bridge between developing nations and major economies, particularly after the African Union was granted permanent membership in the G20 — a step that bolsters the voice of the Global South in international decision-making.

Food security topped the agenda. In an official address, Egypt’s representative stressed the urgent need to reform the multilateral trading system to ensure fairness and equitable opportunities, while also warning that armed conflicts and climate change are worsening global food shortages.

The remarks also highlighted water scarcity as a critical threat to food production and stability, especially across Africa, where millions face the compounded pressures of limited resources and climate-driven challenges.