South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, is set to chair the first virtual meeting of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) this week.
As part of South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency, the discussions will focus on pressing environmental and climate challenges under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.”
The meeting, running from 25–28 March, aims to align G20 member states on key priorities, which include the following:
- Biodiversity & Conservation – Advancing the Global Biodiversity Framework and promoting a sustainable biodiversity economy.
- Land Degradation & Drought – Pushing for Land Degradation Neutrality targets.
- Chemicals & Waste Management – Strengthening circular economies, waste-to-energy initiatives, and extended producer responsibility (EPR).
- Climate Change & Air Quality – Ensuring a just transition, climate finance, and resilient development strategies.
- Oceans & Coastal Management – Tackling marine plastic pollution and improving ocean governance.
The G20—comprising 19 major economies and the EU and African Union—represents 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population, making it a crucial platform for climate action.
South Africa will use its presidency to highlight its Kruger-Kirstenbosch-iSimangaliso (KISS) Icon Status Strategy, hosting some meetings in these world-renowned conservation areas.
With three ECSWG meetings planned—including an in-person session at Kruger National Park in July—the discussions will shape global climate policies ahead of the Ministerial meeting in October.
“South Africa’s G20 Presidency provides a unique opportunity to champion emerging economies and Africa’s development agenda,” said Minister George.
As climate impacts intensify, the world will be watching whether this G20 dialogue translates into tangible progress.
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