Chair's Summary: Second G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

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G20 Summits • 2025 Johannesburg Summit | Road to the 2025 Johannesburg Summit
G20 Foreign Ministers' Meetings

United Nations, New York, September 25, 2025

South Africa expressed its gratitude to Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation who took part in the second Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held under the theme, “The United Nations at 80: Reaffirming peace as a path to sustainable economic development”.

South Africa also thanked the United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. Mr Antonio Guterres, and the Secretariat for their invaluable support and partnership.

The meeting was opened by H.E. President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa who, inter alia, welcomed Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation, and addressed key issues on the agenda of the 2025 G20 Presidency. He expressed appreciation for the support received for South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities and deliverables.

The meeting acknowledged that promoting inclusive economic growth is fundamental to addressing inequality, poverty, marginalisation as well as creating the conditions for peace and stability. Without peace there can be no sustainable economic development.

Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation urged the global community to unite in a spirit of solidarity, equality, and sustainability to create a more peaceful, just, and prosperous world.

The importance of the cooperation between the G20 and the United Nations was stressed. President Ramaphosa was invited to participate in the inaugural United Nations Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Global Economy on 24 September 2025.

Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the United Nations in advancing peace, sustainable development, and human rights.

In a world facing a complex polycrisis – the convergence of political, economic, environmental, and security threats, the unique opportunity presented by the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations was recognised. The meeting renewed a collective commitment to the United Nations Charter and its Principles and Purposes. It called for all countries to adhere to international law, the respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of all States, as well as peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation acknowledged that while the G20 remains a forum for international economic collaboration, geopolitical tensions pose significant risks to global economic stability and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The importance of the fulfilment of global commitments to financing for development, was reaffirmed. Increasing grant and concessional financing as well as enhancing multilateral coordination on debt, was stressed by some.

Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation called for the reform and strengthening of the multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core. They further noted the need for a holistic approach to address the imbalances in global economic governance, and the urgency to reorder the international financial architecture.

It was recognised that South Africa’s G20 Presidency has highlighted Africa’s sustainable development priorities, and it was stressed that the Continent should occupy its rightful place in shaping the future of the global economy.

In the context of the growing complexity and diversity of threats to international peace and security, the meeting emphasised the urgent need to reform the United Nations, particularly its Security Council, to ensure it is fit for purpose and capable of responding effectively to contemporary global challenges.

Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation recognised the link between peacebuilding, justice, accountability, economic recovery and resilience. There was an understanding that the international community should enhance investments in solutions that address the root causes of conflict and underdevelopment.

On the issues of efficiency and effectiveness, it was felt that streamlining the agenda should not lead to the legitimacy of the G20 being questioned, a legitimacy which is based on the inclusiveness of its agenda. Efficiency and effectiveness should not be at the expense of dismantling agreed norms.

The G20@20 Review commissioned under South Africa’s Presidency is intended to make the G20 a more focused and impactful force for Strong, Sustainable, Balanced and Inclusive Growth, that will contribute to fostering peace and stability in the world.

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Source: Official website of South Africa's 2025 G20 presidency

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This page was last updated September 27, 2025