Having recently hosted the first G20 foreign ministers meeting in Johannesburg, and the finance track meetings in February 2025, South Africa’s diplomacy is once again being tested with the world’s attention firmly fixated on the country as it navigates geopolitical storms in the midst of growing pressure on multilateral institutions. Notably absent from the two meetings was US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. Their absence was not a boycott as they were represented by officials, however it did send a message that the United States may not be prioritising the G20 as it pursues an ‘America First’ policy and reviews its international commitments and partnerships. The manner in which this relationship is managed will be important to the outcomes of South Africa's G20 presidency and contribute to shaping the contours of an emerging geopolitical landscape. Dr Mthembu’s talk, based on deep insights from his secretariat role as a co-convener of the T20 Engagement group, is designed to share knowledge on the key issues in South Africa’s G20 presidency and agenda.

Date:              Tuesday, 18 March 2025

Time:             12h30 – 14h00 (SAST)

Venue:           Main Auditorium, Merensky Library, Hatfield Campus

To register:  click here

Enquiries:     Ms Herminah Mmako: Administrator, ACSUS-UP, Email: [email protected]