JOHANNESBURG

World leaders have started arriving in South Africa ahead of the first G20 summit ever held on the African continent, scheduled for Nov. 22-23, aimed at discussing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Established in 1999, the G20 comprises 19 countries and two regional bodies—the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU).

The Group of Twenty powerful nations represent around 85% of global Gross Domestic Product, over 75% of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world's population, according to information on the group’s website.

Global leaders attending the summit

Some of the world's top leaders who have arrived for the summit in Johannesburg include Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and French President Emanuel Macron.

Others include Brazilian President Luiz da Silva, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chinese Premier Li Qian, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Malaysian President Anwar Ibrahim. Several African and Asian leaders have also been invited.

South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said this week 42 countries are expected to participate in the country’s historic G20 summit.

The United States, a founding member of the G20, has boycotted this year’s summit.

President Donald Trump announced this month he would not send an American official to Johannesburg for the meeting, accusing South Africa of “human rights abuses” against the white Afrikaner population, claims the South African government has repeatedly rejected as unfounded.

This year, relations between Washington and Pretoria plunged to their lowest over disagreements on both foreign and domestic policies.

What will be discussed?

In line with South Africa’s G20 theme, “solidarity, equality, and sustainability,” the summit is expected to focus on debt sustainability for low-income countries, because it’s a key obstacle to inclusive growth in developing economies, including many in Africa. They will also discuss how to adapt to the climate crisis and transition to clean energy, among other issues.

The G20 leaders are also expected to discuss cooperation among members and the body’s way forward.

Meanwhile, global leaders are expected to hold several bilateral talks with counterparts on the sidelines of the two-day conference.

According to a post on US social media company X, Australia’s Premier Anthony Albanese met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Union (EU) President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday to bolster ties.

“Our relationship with the EU is based on shared values - and it’s growing stronger. Today I met with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa to progress our trade, security, defense and research cooperation,’’ Albanese posted on his official account.

President Tayyip Erdogan is also expected to hold meetings with President Ramaphosa, as well as other G20 leaders and representatives of international organizations, according to a statement by Communications Director Burhanettin Duran on Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

He will also address various sessions of the summit.

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile will host French President Emmanuel Macron to commemorate the French citizens who played a role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.