What is the G20 and Why Should You Care?

The G20 is the world’s most powerful economic forum. It brings together the largest and most influential economies on the planet. Together, its members account for about 85 percent of global GDP, 75 percent of international trade and two thirds of the world’s population. When these countries make decisions, the rest of the world feels the impact.

Why the G20 Matters

The G20 is not just a meeting of leaders. It is where global economic stability, development priorities and major reforms are shaped. Decisions made in this forum influence trade rules, interest rates, investment flows and the cost of living across the world.
The G20 also drives major global initiatives, including the UN Pact for the Future and the Sustainable Development Goals under Agenda 2030. It plays a central role in shaping global responses to climate change, clean energy transitions, health system readiness, digital governance and food security.
South Africa is one of only three African members in the history of the G20 and is the 2025 host. This gives the country a unique opportunity to influence the global agenda and put African priorities on the world stage.

Where the G20 Comes From

The G20 was created in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis. At first it was a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors. As global challenges became more complex, it expanded to include heads of state and a much broader agenda. Today it is one of the most significant platforms for international cooperation.

Why Are There 19 Countries in the G20 and Not 20?

This is one of the most common questions. The simple answer is that the G20 has 20 members, but not all of them are countries.
The G20 includes:
• Nineteen individual countries
• One regional bloc which is the European Union
• One additional regional bloc which is the African Union, admitted as a permanent member in 2023
The EU counts as one member even though it represents 27 countries. The African Union counts as one member even though it represents 55 countries. These two blocs hold permanent seats. The AU now occupies the twentieth seat that was previously used by rotating guest countries.
So the G20 remains a group of 20 members, but the number of people and countries represented at the table has expanded significantly.

What Is Happening This Weekend in South Africa?

The 2025 G20 Summit is taking place in South Africa. Leaders from around the world have begun arriving for three days of high-level negotiations.
This weekend includes:
• A Leaders’ Summit where decisions will be made on global economic stability, inequality, energy security and governance reform
• Ministerial meetings across finance, health, climate, energy and digital economy portfolios
• Engagement Groups such as the B20, C20, L20, T20 and Y20 presenting their recommendations to heads of state
• The African Union’s participation as a permanent member, marking a historic moment for the continent

Major announcements are expected on:

• Reforming global financial institutions
• Climate finance commitments
• Rules for AI and digital governance
• Debt relief for developing countries
• Strengthening global social protection and economic inclusion

Who Is Attending? Who Is Boycotting?

South Africa has confirmed participation from 42 countries and organisations. These include China, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, Nigeria and the African Union.
There has been a dramatic twist. After initially announcing a boycott, the United States has now signalled that it may take part in some form. This decision came at the final hour and South Africa is in discussions to clarify what the US presence will look like.
Argentina’s President Milei will not attend, and China’s President Xi will also be absent. However China will be represented by its Premier. Even with these absences, the summit remains highly influential, especially for the Global Majority and for global economic stability.

Why You Should Care

What happens in the G20 affects fuel prices, interest rates, food security, jobs, access to technology and the pace of climate action. South Africa’s role as host creates a rare opportunity for the country to shape debates that affect millions of people at home and across the continent.
The decisions made this weekend will influence how the world responds to inequality, climate risks, economic shocks and technological change. In short, the G20 does not only shape global politics. It shapes the future we will all live in.