from DION HENRICK in Cape Town
Western Cape Bureau
CAPE TOWN, (CAJ News) – PARLIAMENT of South Africa has confirmed its readiness to host the 11th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20), the first of its kind on African soil, positioning the country as a key player in shaping global parliamentary diplomacy and economic governance.
The high-level summit, which kicked off on Monday at the Arabella Hotel in Kleinmond, outside Cape Town, and will end on 3 October 2025.
It brought together presiding officers of parliaments from G20 member states, representatives of the African Union, European Union, and other global legislative leaders.
Parliament said preparations, including logistical, diplomatic and security arrangements, are well advanced.
More than 100 accredited local and international journalists will cover the proceedings, ensuring global visibility.
Strategic Moment for Africa
Hosting the P20 marks a historic milestone for South Africa, which will also assume the G20 presidency in 2025. With the African Union now a permanent member of the G20, the summit provides a platform to integrate African perspectives into the global agenda.
“This is an opportunity to showcase the continent’s economic prospects and reaffirm Parliament’s role in advancing inclusive development and investment,” Parliament said.
Among Africa’s priorities are reforms to the G20’s Common Framework on debt relief, greater investment in renewable energy, and equitable participation in the global critical minerals market. South Africa will also advocate for gender-responsive legislation and youth-driven policy innovation.
Summit Theme and Focus Areas
The P20 will be held under the theme, “Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for the Realisation of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”
Deliberations will be structured around four core areas:
- Strengthening disaster resilience and responses
- Ensuring debt sustainability for low-income economies
- Mobilising finance for a just energy transition
- Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth
South Africa has underscored the importance of shifting debt treatment mechanisms, expanding renewable energy financing, and ensuring local communities benefit from mineral wealth.
Women and Youth at the Forefront
Two landmark side events will precede the summit. The P20 Meeting of Women Parliamentarians (29–30 September) will explore policies to promote gender equality, disaster resilience and women’s economic empowerment.
The first-ever P20 Meeting of Young Parliamentarians will focus on climate action, youth employment and entrepreneurship, ensuring young voices shape international policy.
Global Leaders to Attend
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the opening address on 1 October, while Deputy President Paul Mashatile will close the proceedings on 3 October. The summit will conclude with the ceremonial handover of the G20 presidency to the United States.
Business and Economic Implications
For South Africa, the summit is not just symbolic but a diplomatic tool to attract investment, promote regional economic integration, and influence reforms in global financial governance. By hosting, Parliament aims to position the country as a convener and bridge-builder between developed and developing economies.
“The 11th P20 will be a summit of action, not just aspirations,” Parliament said, noting that outcomes would feed directly into the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025.
Expected Outcomes
Key documents to emerge include the Declaration of the 11th P20 Speakers’ Summit, the Cape Town Declaration of Women Parliamentarians, and a statement from the Young Parliamentarians’ Forum. Collectively, these are expected to shape G20 discussions on poverty eradication, gender equality, just energy transitions and global governance reforms.
By hosting the summit, South Africa seeks to leave a legacy of strengthened parliamentary diplomacy – where legislatures drive meaningful change in the global economy.
– CAJ News