Global South Priorities Take Center Stage in G20 Agenda Ahead of Johannesburg Summit

The leadership of the Global South is increasingly shaping the G20’s agenda this year, with equity, inclusive growth, and sustainable development emerging as key priorities ahead of the Johannesburg Summit scheduled for 22–23 November, TV BRICS reported. 

The analysis, authored by Shafiah Muhibat, Deputy Executive Director for Research at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), highlights that South Africa’s presidency marks the fourth consecutive year in which a Global South nation has chaired the G20, following Indonesia, India and Brazil. She notes that this sequence reflects a strengthened influence of developing economies on global decision-making.

Muhibat states that the 2025 summit is expected to place significant emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which remain “a central pillar” of discussions on inclusive global growth. With the G20 representing around 85% of global GDP, she argues, the group’s decisions are critical to advancing cooperation on development.

Climate change and environmental sustainability are also expected to feature prominently. The report notes that many G20 members, particularly from the Global South, are calling for coordinated action that balances climate responsibilities with economic equity.

South Africa’s presidency has been framed around the principles of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” with a particular focus on reforming global financial structures and expanding access to development financing for low-income countries. Muhibat adds that the push includes efforts to support a just transition to green energy.

In the lead-up to the summit, G20 sherpas have highlighted broad cooperation across working groups dealing with climate, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, education, and the global economy. These discussions, according to the report, reflect an effort to ensure that the priorities of developing nations are embedded across all summit tracks.

TV BRICS, which is officially accredited to cover the 2025 G20 Summit, reports that experts view this year’s gathering as an opportunity to reinforce the collective voice of the Global South within global governance frameworks.