By Charles Molele
City of Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya and Joburg Mayor Dada Morero presented their cities’ state of readiness to host the U20 Summit in September during the South African Local Government (SALGA) NEC Lekgotla held in Cape Town.
Tshwane and Joburg are the co-hosts of the U20 Summit and will co-chair this prestigious gathering of global city leaders.
The U20, a diplomatic initiative led by C40 Cities and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), brings together cities from G20 member states to address global economic, climate, and development challenges.
Both mayors described the co-hosting opportunity as an honor for the two cities.
“We must create pathways for economic opportunities accessible to all. Our cities are the engines of growth; hence, we will work to foster partnership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, particularly among our youth and marginalized communities. Together, we can share best practices to stimulate local economies and attract sustainable investment, which in turn can help bolster our financial positions,” Moya and Morero said in their joint presentation on Wednesday.
“The impacts of climate change are increasingly evident, and our cities must be at the forefront of the response. We will prioritize initiatives that promote green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation. By sharing our experiences and strategies, we can build resilient urban environments that safeguard our communities and the planet—ensuring that our investments are both environmentally and financially sound.”
“A thriving city is one where every resident feels valued and has equal access to opportunities. We will commit to addressing inequalities and ensuring that marginalized voices are heard. This includes enhancing public services, promoting affordable housing, and fostering inclusive public spaces, all while finding innovative ways to finance these initiatives amidst budget constraints.”
The U20 is a platform for major cities from G20 member countries, influencing the G20 agenda by presenting policy recommendations related to urban issues.
Launched in 2017, the U20 amplifies urban issues within the G20 agenda, focusing on climate change, sustainable development, and socio-economic challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Since its inaugural Mayors’ Summit in Buenos Aires (2018), the U20 has convened annually in cities such as Tokyo (2019), Riyadh (2020), Rome-Milan (2021), Jakarta (2022), Ahmedabad (2023), and Rio de Janeiro-São Paulo (2024).
The summit includes Participating Cities, representing major economic hubs and C40/UCLG members from G20 nations, along with Observer Cities and strategic partners advocating for urban interests within the G20.
Joburg, South Africa’s richest metro, will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025, with an estimated 40 heads of state expected to attend.
Among the key issues to be discussed at the G20 Summit are the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, as well as crises such as climate change, energy, and food security.
The meeting will also address issues of infrastructure development, global governance reform, and debt that disproportionately affects developing nations, alongside a focus on Africa’s development.
On Thursday, 20 February 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa will host the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting at the NASREC EXPO Centre, Gauteng.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency began on 1 December 2024 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.
Tshwane mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya outlines the two cities’ plans to co-host the 2025 Urban20 Mayors Summit at the SALGA NEC Lekgotla in Cape Town. PHOTO: X/Supplied
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