Joburg and Tshwane lead historic Urban 20 initiative ahead of G20 Summit

By Nkhensani Chauke

Joburg and Tshwane have launched the 8th cycle of Urban 20 (U20), a global initiative uniting major cities to shape discussions at the upcoming G20 Summit for Heads of State and Government, set for November in Johannesburg.

Co-chaired by Tshwane and Johannesburg, the 2025 U20 Summit is expected to leave a lasting impact by boosting tourism, advancing environmental sustainability and promoting initiatives such as cleaner energy and the expansion of green spaces.

The announcement followed a joint briefing by Joburg mayor Dada Morero and Tshwane mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya in Hatfield, Pretoria, where they addressed reporters.

As part of the U20 events, Tshwane will host the African Mayors’ Assembly in June, providing a platform for mayors across the continent to discuss key issues and explore opportunities for collaboration.

In September, Johannesburg will take center stage with the three-day U20 Mayoral Summit, which will include the official handover ceremony to the 2026 host city.

The Johannesburg summit will also serve as a precursor to the G20 Summit, where global leaders will gather to address pressing international challenges.

Building on the success of the 2024 U20 cycle led by Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo – which advanced climate finance, green jobs, and poverty reduction – Johannesburg and Tshwane are set to carry this momentum forward.

Their outcomes are expected to shape discussions not only at the G20 Summit but also at the UN World Social Summit in Doha and COP30 in Belém.

Morero said that the U20 summit is a critical opportunity to amplify the voices of cities, particularly African ones, as key drivers of global progress and economic resilience.

“This important summit serves as a strategic moment to elevate the voices of cities, particularly those in Africa, as key drivers of global progress and economic resilience. This is also an important summit in the history of the multilateralism agenda for local government which will provide a powerful platform for us to showcase our leadership in urban governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development, while also fostering meaningful partnerships with cities and global institutions”, said Morero.

“Our objective is to shape the urban agenda for the G20, ensuring that cities are recognised as critical players in solving global challenges.”

He urged all participants in the 2025 U20 initiative to focus on shared goals and build inclusive, functional cities.

“Cities are bridges where the world comes together,” said Morero.

Moya expressed pride in Johannesburg and Tshwane’s collaboration in hosting this historic diplomatic initiative.

“This is a historic moment for South Africa and for cities across the Global South,” said Moya.

“Under the theme, ‘Cities Leading the Way in Reimagining Global Change,’ we are not just hosting the U20; we are leading a global conversation about the future of our cities and the role they must play in addressing the most pressing challenges of our time.”

She emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between national and local governments.

“Cities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, economic inequality, and social exclusion. It’s time for our voices to be heard at the highest levels of global decision-making,” she added.

Summit officials: Johannesburg, Tshwane to spearhead global urban agenda for G20 2025. PHOTO: Rivoningo Ndlovu

Executive Director of C40 Cities, Mark Watts, reaffirmed U20’s mission to elevate urban priorities within the G20 agenda by proposing solutions and partnerships that drive meaningful change.

“The Urban 20 represents city-led climate collaboration at its best, with mayors coming together to champion ambitious climate action at the heart of the G20 process and put social justice front and centre. This is the first G20 hosted in Africa – a region with incredible innovation and city leadership, but also disproportionate vulnerability to the climate crisis despite contributing least to global emissions,” said Watts.

“It is my hope that this year’s G20, inspired by the world’s mayors, can cement support for a people-centered urban just transition – building on the leadership, innovation and resilience of cities like our Co-Chairs, Johannesburg and Tshwane.”

“We are at a critical moment for global climate cooperation, and U20 mayors’ spirit of collaboration and action-oriented leadership will be more essential than ever as we approach the pivotal COP30 in Brazil. As permanent conveners of the U20, C40 – together with UCLG – looks forward to supporting U20 cities to foster this cooperative spirit and strengthen the influence of the U20 within the G20 process.”

United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Secretary-General Emilia Saiz pointed out the significance of the first G20 Summit in Africa, describing it as a pivotal moment for Urban 20 to drive groundbreaking action toward rebuilding trust, strengthening resilience, and shaping a new social contract.

“Cities are where people feel the immediate impact of global challenges. Whether it is addressing conflict, the climate crisis, or growing inequalities, hunger, and poverty, local governments are on the front lines, working to protect and improve the lives of their communities. In the current challenging times for the national multilateral system, cities and the local multilateral system are central to bringing leading innovative action forward towards regaining trust, strengthening resilience, and building a shared vision for the future that is at the root of a new social contract,” said Saiz.

“As we look towards the implementation of the Pact for the Future and the Second World Summit for Social Development, UCLG and C40 celebrate the convening of the first G20 in Africa, a historical opportunity for Urban 20 to present an agenda for global social transformation that starts in our cities and communities.”