The G20 (Group of Twenty) is a major international forum comprising 19 countries, the European Union and the African Union. Its members represent some of the world’s largest economies, accounting for approximately 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population.
This year is particularly historic: South Africa is hosting the G20 presidency, the first time an African nation has done so. Under South Africa’s leadership, the G20 is focusing on three interconnected priorities “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”, which reflect the country’s vision for a more collaborative, just, and future-oriented approach to global governance.
The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) has had the privilege of participating in several G20 engagement group meetings that explored the intersections of science, inclusion, and sustainability with broader development goals. Among the meetings we attended were:
Women20 (W20) Inception Meeting
The W20 brings together policymakers, civil-society representatives, and business leaders to advance gender equality and women’s participation in leadership, science, and technology. This year’s discussions centred on equitable access to STEM, women’s leadership, and social inclusion – key global priorities for achieving gender equity in economic and scientific spheres.
Foundations20 (F20) on Climate Solutions
The F20 platform convenes philanthropic foundations from around the world to explore how private resources can accelerate climate action. In 2025, the focus was on building climate resilience, supporting sustainable development initiatives, and forging environmental partnerships, with an emphasis on mobilising funding and scaling solutions to address climate-change impacts.
Science20 (S20) Meeting
The S20 is the official G20 engagement group for scientific institutions and national academies. This year’s theme, “Climate Change and Well-Being”, examined how science can inform policy in the areas of energy, food, water, land, and health systems. Key recommendations included strengthening research capacity, fostering international collaboration (especially with the Global South), developing high-end skills, expanding scientific infrastructure, and increasing funding for innovation.
These meetings provided valuable insight into how global policy priorities are shaped in the fields of science, climate action, and gender equity, while showcasing South Africa’s leadership in facilitating inclusive and collaborative discussions on sustainable development.
In parallel, the OAD has actively contributed through its own platforms, most notably:
- July Astro4Dev Full Moon Mashup titled “Science Leadership and the G20: Insights from the Latest Full Moon Mashup”, which explored astronomy’s potential contributions to global policy discussions within the G20 framework. Participants highlighted the need for greater science literacy among policymakers and greater impact literacy among scientists. Learn more here
- A call for video messages, inviting astronomy communities worldwide to submit short (30–60 second) clips for the G20 Science Ministers Meeting under the theme “Astronomy for a Better World”. The campaign emphasised astronomy’s universal appeal, the diversity of its community, and its tangible developmental impact. Learn more here
- Our Director, Kevin Govender, moderated a high-level panel for G20 science delegations in South Africa. Hosted by the Square Kilometre Array Organisation and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory at the MeerKAT & SKA-Mid site in the Northern Cape, the event brought together G20 Ministers of Science & Technology and senior science leaders. Learn more here
The G20 Leaders’ Summit will take place from 22–24 November 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, convening world leaders, ministers, and engagement groups to address critical global economic, social, and environmental challenges.
