Gauteng to Host Landmark G20 Culture Working Group Session

The global spotlight will shine on Gauteng as the province prepares to host the 2nd G20 Culture Working Group session. The session will run from Monday, 5 May to Tuesday, 6 May 2025 at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre. The session, held under the overarching G20 theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” promises to be a pivotal moment. This session works in shaping global cultural policies with far-reaching social and economic implications.

This monumental event forms part of South Africa’s G20 Presidency—the first ever held on African soil. This marks a historic milestone not only for the nation but for the African continent as a whole. The presence of global cultural leaders and policymakers in Sandton underlines South Africa’s growing role as a global voice in the integration of culture into sustainable development frameworks.

Minister Gayton McKenzie to Deliver Keynote Address

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie, will officially open the session with a keynote address. He will reinforce the importance of Africa’s cultural narratives on the world stage. The Minister’s address is expected to highlight the country’s vision for an inclusive, rights-based cultural framework that can support social cohesion, nation-building, and economic participation across all demographics.

A Platform for Critical Cultural Dialogue

The two-day session will feature robust discussions focusing on four critical priorities that align with both Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include:

1. Safeguarding and restitution of cultural heritage – Emphasizing the importance of protecting heritage as a human right and advocating for the return of stolen cultural assets to their countries of origin.
2. Cultural policies in socio-economic strategies – Exploring how culture can be harnessed to foster inclusive growth, economic empowerment, and social justice.
3. Digital transformation and cultural sustainability – Investigating the role of technology in preserving and promoting culture, including the use of AI, virtual reality, and digital archives.
4. Culture and climate change – Addressing how cultural narratives and indigenous knowledge can influence and shape sustainable environmental practices.

These themes reflect a growing global acknowledgment of the transformative power of culture. It also addresses contemporary challenges, from economic disparity to environmental degradation.

Media Participation and Accreditation At The G20

The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture invites media professionals, editors, and journalists to cover this high-profile event. Interested parties are requested to complete the accreditation form and send it to [email protected] by Thursday, 01 May 2025, before 16:00.

This event presents a unique opportunity for the media to capture insightful discussions. Opportunities will be made for interviews with global cultural figures, and South Africa’s strategic positioning within the G20 landscape.

G20 Event Details at a Glance:

• Event: 2nd G20 Culture Working Group Session
• Date: Monday, 5 May – Tuesday, 6 May 2025
• Time: 09:00
• Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
• Theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”

Media Contacts for RSVP and Enquiries:

• RSVP & Accreditation:
  Mr. Madimetja Moleba
  Cell: +27 (0) 66 301 4675 (Call & WhatsApp)
  Email: [email protected]
• Media Enquiries.
  Ms. Stacey-Lee Khojane (Spokesperson – Minister’s Office)
  Cell: +27 77 608 7579.
  Email: [email protected] Ms. Zimasa Velaphi (Head of Communication – DSAC)
  Cell: +27 72 172 8925.
  Email: [email protected]

South Africa: Championing the Cultural Agenda

As host, South Africa stands to influence global cultural policies and inspire innovative solutions through African-centered approaches. This G20 Culture Working Group session will not only foster international cooperation but also provide a platform for African voices, traditions, and wisdom. It will ensure that they take their rightful place in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world.

ALSO READ: South Africa Launches G20 Presidency with Focus on Debt Relief, Climate Aid, and AI Innovation

The event will bring together cultural ministers, experts, creatives, civil society stakeholders, and digital innovators from around the world. These stakeholders are all united by a common purpose: to make culture a central pillar of global development.

For South Africa, this is more than just a conference—it’s an opportunity to lead with legacy.