G20
The role of C20 in shaping an inclusive G20 2025
The G20 Johannesburg Summit logo on smartphone. held from 22 to 23 November 2025. It will be the first G20 summit held in South Africa and on the African continent.
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As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit in 2025, it is essential to ensure that the process leading up to this global event is inclusive and aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The G20's impact must extend beyond governments and economies—it must address the needs of all people, ensuring that no one is left behind. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by engaging civil society organisations (CSOs) to represent the voices of communities worldwide. These organisations play a crucial role in advocating for those affected by pressing global issues such as climate change, underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, hunger, unemployment, technological advancements, and geopolitical instability.
The theme for G20 2025, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” reflects the commitment to fostering Strong, Sustainable, Balanced, and Inclusive Growth, a core mandate of the G20 since its inception. Achieving this vision requires collaboration among all stakeholders—governments, the private sector, and civil society. Recognising the unique challenges faced by different countries, policies must be developed with an awareness of existing inequalities. This is where the Civil Society 20 (C20) becomes indispensable. As an official engagement group of the G20, the C20 provides a platform for CSOs and social movements worldwide to voice the aspirations of the people to G20 leaders.
The Role of C20 and Its Working Groups
The C20 Working Groups (WGs) serve as thematic spaces where CSOs from both G20 and non-G20 countries—from international NGOs to grassroots organisations—collaborate to develop policy recommendations for the G20. These independent collectives are led by organisations from the host country and work alongside other CSOs from G20 nations to craft formal policy submissions. Since 2013, the C20 has been an open and inclusive community, ensuring that civil society perspectives influence the G20 process.
The C20 emphasises themes such as environmental sustainability, gender equality, human rights, and social, economic, and climate justice. These principles must be integrated into all working groups, from governance to policy recommendations. The C20 Working Groups for G20 2025 include:
- Gender Equity & Feminist Just Economies
- Food Security
- Anti-Racism, Environmental, Climate & Energy Justice
- Peace, Security & Gun Control
- Sustainable & Resilient Cities & Communities
- Integrated Health for All
- Global Financial Architecture Reform & Debt
- Education for All
- Technology & Digitalisation
- SDG16: Delivering & Protecting Democracy and Fighting Corruption
At the heart of the C20 is the principle of “leaving no one behind.” The group works to create a more balanced dialogue between civil society and the G20, ensuring that CSOs have the same level of access to policymakers as representatives of the economic sector.
Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Commitment to C20
As a champion of human rights, social and economic justice, and environmental sustainability, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation strongly supports the work of the C20. The foundation aims to collaborate with organisations at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring that civil society voices are amplified in global discussions. By engaging with the C20, we contribute to shaping policies that promote a fairer, more just, and sustainable future for all.
The journey towards G20 2025 is an opportunity to reinforce the role of civil society in shaping global governance. By working together, we can create policies that truly reflect the needs of people worldwide and build a future rooted in solidarity, equality, and sustainability.