4 December 2025: Johannesburg, South Africa: The ONE Campaign in Africa notes with deep concern reports that South Africa, a founding and full member of the G20, has been excluded from the upcoming G20 Sherpa meetings and the 2026 Leaders’ Summit.
This decision would represent a serious breach of the spirit and practice of multilateralism. No single member state has the authority to unilaterally revoke or restrict another country’s participation in a body designed to operate through collective leadership, shared responsibility and consensus.
“The G20 is not a platform for advancing the worldview of any single member state. Its legitimacy rests on inclusive participation, mutual respect and the understanding that global challenges require diverse perspectives,” said Serah Makka, Africa Executive Director at The ONE Campaign. “Excluding a member because its national policies differ from those of another country undermines these foundational principles and risks weakening the credibility of the G20 as a truly multilateral forum.”
South Africa has long played a critical role in elevating African perspectives within the G20. Excluding the continent’s most established representative risks weakening the legitimacy, inclusiveness and credibility of a forum charged with shaping global economic and development policies that profoundly affect Africa’s future.
In a world facing intertwined challenges, from debt and inequality to energy insecurity, the G20 must remain a platform that reflects the diversity of the global economy. Decisions about the participation of any member must uphold the rules-based approach and core democratic values that underpin international cooperation.
Africa’s voices and priorities are essential to a fair and stable global economy. ONE urges all G20 members to stand by the principles of inclusive cooperation and ensure that South Africa participates fully in all G20 processes. Moments like this matter. Silence risks setting a precedent that weakens global fairness and collective decision-making.
**ENDS**
About The ONE Campaign
ONE is a global, nonpartisan organization advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. Our trusted advocacy uses hard-hitting data, grassroots activism, political engagement and strategic partnerships to influence decision-makers. Learn more at www.one.org.
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