10 - 06 - 25

African Cities to Shape Global Urban Agenda at Landmark U20 Meeting

Pretoria and Johannesburg are set to host a pivotal Urban 20 (U20) Sherpa Meeting and the inaugural African Mayors Assembly over the next few days. This significant gathering, bringing together 96 U20 Sherpas from G20 member cities, marks the first time the U20 convenes on the African continent, a momentous occasion for global urban development.


Tshwane Executive Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya affirmed the City of Tshwanes readiness for this landmark event. She emphasized that this gathering represents a turning point in how cities, particularly those in Africa, are stepping forward to shape the future of urban environments. Moya stated that the current global context demands urgency, unity, and bold leadership, and that the participating cities will unify their voices to establish a shared vision for urban progress. She added that cities worldwide are contending with the interconnected challenges of climate change, inequality, and economic strain, pressures that necessitate coordination, commitment, and action. By hosting this meeting, Moya explained, Africas voice will not only be present but will actively influence the G20 agenda at the highest level. She stressed that while global issues exist, effective solutions often originate at the local level, where policy meets reality. Moya concluded that African cities, with their complexity, determination, and creativity, are central to building a more just and sustainable future.


The U20 meeting will notably coincide with a dedicated African Mayors Assembly, a platform designed to address the continents specific priorities. This assembly will ensure that Africas urban agenda, encompassing issues from climate adaptation to equitable service delivery, is meaningfully reflected in the final Communiqué.
As part of the weeks events, the U20 Schools Legacy Programme will launch at Groenkloof Nature Reserve, aiming to equip young people with practical skills and inspiration for a changing world. Delegates will also have the opportunity to visit iconic sites like the Union Buildings and Dinokeng Game Reserve on June 14.
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero outlined four key priorities anchoring the U20 agenda, reflecting both South Africa's development trajectory and global urban realities. These include economic opportunities and urban financing, focusing on unlocking investment and addressing infrastructure gaps; climate action and urban resilience, highlighting cities role in climate planning; social inclusion and equity, aiming to dismantle inequalities; and digital transformation and innovation, viewing digital shifts as a public good. Morero noted that these priorities, endorsed by participating G20 cities, will form the foundation of the 2025 U20 Communiqué, which will be formally submitted to the president in September, following G20 tradition.