Youth leaders gather at the Y20 South Africa Summit to shape global governance

The Y20 South Africa Summit kicked off on Monday at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, bringing together youth ministers, political, business, and civic leaders, and international delegates from G20 member nations to chart a concrete path for youth participation in global governance. 

Over the next five days, delegates will negotiate and adopt the Y20 Declaration, which outlines recommendations for G20 leaders on jobs, climate, digital transformation, inclusion, and youth engagement.

“The five-day summit brings together youth representatives from G20 countries to negotiate and adopt the Y20 Declaration, outlining concrete recommendations for G20 leaders on jobs, climate, digital transformation, inclusion, and youth participation,” said Irfaan Mangera, the spokesperson for the Y20.

The opening programme features a high-profile lineup of speakers and guests. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi will offer a welcome, with messages of support from South Africa’s public, business, and international partners, including representatives of B20 South Africa, Eskom, EWSETA, NYDA, and heads of delegation from Y20 Brazil and Y20 USA. 

Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa and G20 Social Summit Convener, will also deliver a special message. 

The keynote address is expected to be delivered by Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

“Day two will feature a Ministerial Address from Stella Ndabeni, Minister of Small Business Development, ahead of formal negotiations. 

“The summit will culminate on Friday, 22 August, with commitments to advance the Y20 recommendations, followed by a keynote from Mapaseka Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and the handover to the Y20 2026 host.”

Mangera stated that the Y20 is the official youth engagement arm of the G20, providing a platform for young negotiators to translate lived realities into policy proposals that can influence national plans and multilateral agendas. 

“Particularly speaking on behalf of the world’s biggest demographic group, the youth!” the statement read.

From ideation to action, delegates will operate across five thematic tracks: Climate and environmental Sustainability; inclusive economic growth and employment; AI, Digital Innovation, and the Future of Work; Meaningful Youth Engagement and reforming Multilateralism; and Inclusive Social Development and fighting Inequality. 

Mangera said the aim is to move from technical briefings to closed negotiations and ultimately adopt the Y20 Declaration.

“In addition to formal negotiations, partner-led plenaries and panels will connect policy ideas to implementation pathways across government, civil society, and business,” read the statement.

Participating organisations include OXFAM South Africa, YD Collab, SAIIA, FoodBev, Brave Movement, NYDA, and others.

An off-site Learning Day will ground deliberations in South Africa’s democratic history and leadership legacy, with visits to Constitution Hill, Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, and the OR Tambo Narrative Centre. 

Mangera added that this component reinforces the link between institutional memory and future-making.

Furthermore, Mangera stated that the programme also focuses on post-summit uptake, with plans to carry recommendations into the G20 Social Summit, UN General Assembly, and UN@80 initiatives to monitor and measure impact.

The three-day event is expected to end on Wednesday.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

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