Lamola Hails G20 Social Summit as Boost for Civil Society in Global Decision-Making

Boksburg – Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has reaffirmed South Africa’s dedication to an inclusive, people-centred G20, stating that the 2025 G20 Social Summit has greatly strengthened civil society’s part in shaping worldwide governance. In his closing speech at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Thursday, 20 November 2025, Lamola praised the gathering for building on Brazil’s 2024 example and putting grassroots voices at the heart of talks. He stressed that South Africa had met President Cyril Ramaphosa’s goal to carry on the social summit tradition started by Brazil during its G20 Presidency the year before. This event, held from 18 to 20 November 2025, marked a key moment in South Africa’s historic role as the first African nation to lead the G20, focusing on themes like solidarity, equality, and sustainability to tackle global challenges such as climate change, debt relief for developing countries, and inequality.

Lamola’s words came as the summit wrapped up, ahead of the main G20 Leaders’ Summit set for 22 to 23 November 2025 in Johannesburg. Despite tensions like the US boycott over claims of violence against white farmers – which South African officials have called baseless – the social summit drew praise for lifting up often-overlooked views from activists and community groups. As the world faces rising divides, Lamola’s call for ongoing effort echoes the need for teamwork to reach the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Lamola’s Closing Remarks and South Africa’s Promise Kept

In his address, Lamola reflected on how South Africa had delivered on its pledges for a more open G20. “We promised to carry forward the innovative practice and courageous example set by Brazil in holding an inclusive G20 that centred the voices of people on the margins. We also promised to extend the G20’s work beyond engagement groups to include civil society organisations working at the grassroots level. I believe that we have kept that promise,” he said.

He pointed out that civil society had been key throughout, bringing forward issues that high-level talks might skip. Lamola noted their warnings about a new global rush for minerals, which without local processing could lead to more exploitation. “usher in yet another era of extraction and plunder,” as he put it, quoting their concerns. They also spotlighted how debt crises hit women and children hardest, stressing that without bold steps on inequality, goals for a better world stay out of reach.

Lamola wrapped up by urging everyone to leave with fresh energy, not defeat. Drawing from poet Keorapetse Kgositsile’s Bandung Dance, he called for sticking with it: “Like this dancer, may we defy fatigue and dance on. May we refuse to waver in our commitment to solidarity, equality and sustainability.”

Civil Society’s Decisive Role in the Summit

Lamola made clear that civil society had shaped the summit, making sure voices from the edges got heard. “International relations are far too important to be left to governments alone. This has long been the mantra of civil society,” he told the delegates. Their input had pushed talks on urgent matters like climate shifts, food shortages, conflicts, and youth exclusion.

He praised their push for developing nations to have real say in global setups. “You have said, loud and clear, that Africa must graduate from rule-taker to rule-maker in matters that affect our continent and its peoples,” Lamola said. This fits South Africa’s G20 theme, aiming to bridge gaps between rich and poor countries through fairer systems.

Civil groups also reminded leaders that inequality harms democracy. “Your movements have constantly reminded us that inequality is bad for democracy,” Lamola added. Their grassroots work brought real-life stories to the table, showing how big issues like debt and resource grabs affect everyday people, especially in Africa.

Urgent Calls on Global Challenges

The summit tackled big problems head-on, with civil society leading calls for change. They warned that without fair sharing of benefits from minerals, poor countries could face more harm. Lamola echoed their fears that a new boom might repeat old patterns of taking without giving back.

On debt, they highlighted how cuts in services to pay loans hit women and kids hardest, slowing progress on health, education, and equality. Food insecurity and climate woes were also key, with talks on how rich nations’ actions worsen things for the Global South.

Youth marginalisation and conflicts got attention too, with pleas for more inclusion to build peace and growth. These points will feed into the G20 Leaders’ Declaration, set for adoption over the weekend, aiming for real steps on these fronts.

Looking Ahead to the Leaders’ Declaration

Lamola stressed that the social summit’s results would shape the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Declaration. This document, expected soon, will outline joint plans on key issues like sustainable growth, debt help, and climate action. By including civil society’s input, it aims to make global policies more grounded and fair.
South Africa’s presidency, running from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, focuses on building bridges for a better world. The social summit, a flagship event, showed this by mixing official talks with grassroots views, going beyond usual G20 groups to include local activists.

As the leaders’ meeting nears, Lamola’s call for “renewed vigour” urges ongoing work. This could lead to stronger commitments on things like green energy shifts and fair trade, helping Africa and other developing spots.

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