By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

The G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting took place at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York on 25 September 2025. 

The Ministers meeting was held under the theme “The United Nations at 80 years” as it aimed at reaffirming peace in order to achieve sustainable development.

 The meeting was open to all G20 members, other countries that received the invitation, organizations that are relevant to the conversation as well as UN member states. 

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had delivered an address at the Ministers Meeting. “South Africa has placed solidarity, equality and sustainability at the center of its G20 Presidency.

 This is driven by our conviction that global challenges can only be resolved through cooperation, collaboration, as well as partnership.

 “We are hosting this second foreign ministers meeting alongside the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly to reaffirm the G20’s commitment to UN values and to emphasise the centrality of the United Nations as the foremost multilateral organisation in the world.” said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

 “We are all as countries reaffirming peace as a path to sustainable economic development. Without peace, there can be no sustainable development.” added President Ramaphosa in his opening remarks. 

The South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola was also in attendance in accompaniment with President Ramaphosa as emphasised the importance of avoiding any disasters that may occur in ways of debt sustainability and financing for just energy transition.

 “These priorities include strengthening disaster resilience; ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries; mobilising finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth.’ said Minister Lamola in his remarks. 

The country that has also been speaking outwardly towards peace and sustainability is Japan as they have been spearheading the line in terms of addressing global issues such as climate change, infectious diseases and poverty. 

Japan also shared its knowledge regarding declining birthrate and aging population as well as disasters with the global community, as they will lead the charge in finding solutions towards disaster response. 

South Africa will be gearing up to host the G20 Leader’s Summit in November this year under the guided theme; “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”.