{"id":17785,"date":"2025-07-23T16:44:56","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T14:44:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=17785"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:11:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:11:54","slug":"g20-dwg-insights-dr-robert-nkuna","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/g20-dwg-insights-dr-robert-nkuna\/","title":{"rendered":"G20 DWG Insights: Dr Robert Nkuna on South Africa\u2019s Global Development Role"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#historic-moment-for-africa\" data-level=\"2\">Historic Moment for Africa<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#dr-nkunas-facilitation-role\" data-level=\"2\">Dr Nkuna\u2019s Facilitation Role<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#solidarity-equality-and-sustainability-the-g20-the\" data-level=\"2\">Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability: The G20 Theme<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#dwg-priority-areas\" data-level=\"2\">DWG Priority Areas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#championing-multilateralism\" data-level=\"2\">Championing Multilateralism<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#kruger-national-park-summit-african-stewardship\" data-level=\"2\">Kruger National Park Summit: African Stewardship<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#fighting-global-inequality\" data-level=\"2\">Fighting Global Inequality<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#putting-the-african-context-first\" data-level=\"2\">Putting the African Context First<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#measuring-real-impact\" data-level=\"2\">Measuring Real Impact<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#addressing-global-challenges\" data-level=\"2\">Addressing Global Challenges<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-importance-of-policy-coherence\" data-level=\"2\">The Importance of Policy Coherence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#building-resilience-in-africa\" data-level=\"2\">Building Resilience in Africa<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#strengthening-partnerships\" data-level=\"2\">Strengthening Partnerships<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-road-to-2030\" data-level=\"2\">The Road to 2030<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#lessons-from-south-africas-leadership\" data-level=\"2\">Lessons from South Africa\u2019s Leadership<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africa\u2019s 2025 G20 Presidency marks a major moment for Africa in global policy. As host, the nation leads the global conversation on development, equality, and sustainability. Dr Robert Nkuna, Director-General of South Africa\u2019s Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME), plays a central role. His insights reveal how South Africa intends to shape outcomes for Africa and the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/investment-strategies-g20-summit-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">G20 Summit 2025: African Entrepreneurs Push for Inclusive Investment Strategies<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"historic-moment-for-africa\">Historic Moment for Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africa\u2019s G20 Presidency, spanning from December 2024 to November 2025, marks a historic milestone as the first African nation to lead this influential global forum. Taking place just five years before the United Nations\u2019 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline, this presidency carries immense responsibility and global expectations. South Africa is leveraging this unique position to champion solidarity, equality, and sustainability, aiming to galvanize international cooperation and deliver concrete progress on the most pressing global challenges, including inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, debt sustainability, and technological innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This period offers a pivotal opportunity to accelerate efforts toward the 2030 agenda by aligning global priorities with Africa\u2019s development aspirations. South Africa\u2019s leadership is focused on mobilizing support for developing countries, particularly in Africa and the Global South, by advocating for reforming international financial systems, enhancing social protection, and addressing climate change impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable nations. By placing Africa\u2019s development at the forefront of the G20 agenda, South Africa seeks not only to influence policy but also to drive tangible outcomes that reduce inequality and strengthen resilience in a rapidly evolving global economic landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3895465487\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dr-nkunas-facilitation-role\">Dr Nkuna\u2019s Facilitation Role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr Nkuna explains, \u201cOur role is to facilitate, not dictate, negotiations among member states.\u201d He leads the DPME team, which supports all G20 Development Working Group (DWG) activities. Moreover, he ensures discussions reflect African priorities, not just South African interests. \u201cWe may host, but these issues affect the whole continent,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"solidarity-equality-and-sustainability-the-g20-the\">Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability: The G20 Theme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The theme set by Minister Maropene Ramokgopa is \u201cSolidarity, Equality and Sustainable Development.\u201d This choice links South Africa\u2019s presidency to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Similarly, it aligns with the African Union\u2019s Agenda 2063. Therefore, South Africa\u2019s leadership emphasizes shared solutions for all, especially the most vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1698168444\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dwg-priority-areas\">DWG Priority Areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Under South Africa\u2019s leadership, the Development Working Group (DWG) focuses on three critical priority areas to drive sustainable development globally. First, the DWG advocates for broader access to global public goods, emphasizing the importance of resilient health systems, expanded digital infrastructure, and enhanced climate resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant disparities in healthcare access and digital connectivity, especially in developing countries. South Africa\u2019s DWG promotes international cooperation and investment to build affordable and inclusive health services, strengthen digital networks, and implement innovative climate adaptation solutions\u2014particularly for vulnerable regions like Africa and Small Island Developing States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, the DWG is committed to combating illicit financial flows (IFFs), which drain much-needed resources from developing nations and undermine their capacity to fund essential services. By improving domestic resource mobilization, enhancing tax compliance, and fostering international collaboration on financial transparency, the DWG works to curb these outflows that often exceed official aid for some least developed countries. Additionally, South Africa\u2019s agenda includes strengthening social safety nets to protect vulnerable populations from economic and environmental shocks, through expanding access to cash transfers and leveraging digital tools for effective social protection delivery. These combined efforts aim to build more equitable, resilient societies and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"championing-multilateralism\">Championing Multilateralism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr Nkuna urges a shift from narrow bilateral interests to true multilateral cooperation. \u201cDevelopment must deliver dignity, opportunity, and access for all,\u201d he states. As a result, South Africa stands as Africa\u2019s advocate, demanding that global rules serve people, not just systems. Specifically, it insists that African voices shape global decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2117252552\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kruger-national-park-summit-african-stewardship\">Kruger National Park Summit: African Stewardship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The DWG chose Kruger National Park for its fourth major meeting. This setting underlines Africa\u2019s commitment to sustainability and stewardship. Later, Minister Ramokgopa described the meeting as \u201ca stewardship moment for the world.\u201d Delegates discussed concrete steps to build a future where no one is left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fighting-global-inequality\">Fighting Global Inequality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Inequality remains a top challenge. Deputy Minister Seiso Joel Mohai says, \u201cIllicit financial flows rob countries of resources.\u201d For example, these flows weaken health and education, harming the most vulnerable. Therefore, the DWG calls for strict global rules to stop them. Similarly, South Africa pushes for better cooperation among governments, businesses, and civil society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3063881111\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"putting-the-african-context-first\">Putting the African Context First<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr Nkuna insists, \u201cWe must always consider Africa\u2019s needs in global decisions.\u201d While South Africa hosts, its goal is to lift the whole continent. As a result, DWG outcomes must deliver for all Africans, especially the young, women, and rural communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"measuring-real-impact\">Measuring Real Impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Minister Ramokgopa states, \u201cCitizens want results, not paperwork.\u201d Dr Nkuna agrees, calling for \u201cprogress people can see.\u201d Specifically, the DWG tracks actions that improve lives, such as better health services and more climate-resilient cities. Consequently, success means not just promises, but real improvements on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1266980747\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"addressing-global-challenges\">Addressing Global Challenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The world faces urgent crises\u2014poverty, climate change, conflict, and economic instability. However, South Africa\u2019s leadership remains hopeful. \u201cWe see this as a crossroads for humanity,\u201d says Minister Ramokgopa. She believes bold decisions now can reshape the global system for the better. Therefore, the G20 must act decisively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-importance-of-policy-coherence\">The Importance of Policy Coherence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr Nkuna argues, \u201cWe need policy coherence and cooperation.\u201d Only by working together can nations tackle complex global issues. For example, climate action must go hand in hand with job creation and poverty reduction. Similarly, digital access should empower people, not deepen divides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1820409441\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"building-resilience-in-africa\">Building Resilience in Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africa\u2019s legacy will depend on building resilience across Africa. The DWG\u2019s focus on social protection, infrastructure, and inclusive growth is vital. As a result, millions of Africans could benefit from new digital tools, better schools, and stronger health systems. In addition, green investments could create jobs and fight climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strengthening-partnerships\">Strengthening Partnerships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africa values global and local partnerships. For example, it works with the World Bank, IMF, African Union, and local NGOs. Dr Nkuna says, \u201cWe need everyone at the table.\u201d Only through collaboration can Africa realize its full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-873864752\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-road-to-2030\">The Road to 2030<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With five years until 2030, the pressure for results is rising. South Africa\u2019s DWG leadership offers a model for the future. Specifically, it shows how a developing country can lead global talks and deliver for its people. As a result, Africa\u2019s voice resonates stronger than ever in multilateral forums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lessons-from-south-africas-leadership\">Lessons from South Africa\u2019s Leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr Nkuna\u2019s approach\u2014rooted in facilitation, African solidarity, and people-focused outcomes\u2014offers lessons for world leaders. First, true inclusivity means listening to all voices. Second, development must be measurable and meaningful. Third, global cooperation must translate into real gains for citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africa\u2019s 2025 G20 Presidency is a milestone for Africa and the world. Dr Robert Nkuna\u2019s leadership in the DWG shows how a nation can bridge local needs and global action. By <a href=\"https:\/\/g20.org\/track-news\/south-africa-hosts-historic-g20-development-working-group-meeting-on-african-soil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">focusing <\/a>on people, partnership, and results, South Africa sets a standard for inclusive, impactful global governance. As the world moves toward 2030, Africa\u2019s voice\u2014amplified by South Africa\u2014will shape the future for all.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore South Africa\u2019s pivotal role in the G20 Development Working Group with insights from Dr Robert Nkuna facilitation, African advocacy, and actionable priorities for global equality, sustainability, and resilience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":17791,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Explore South Africa\u2019s pivotal role in the G20 Development Working Group with insights from Dr Robert Nkuna facilitation, African advocacy, and actionable priorities for global equality, sustainability, and resilience.","footnotes":""},"categories":[521],"tags":[9949],"class_list":{"0":"post-17785","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-g20","8":"tag-global-development"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17785","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17785"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17785\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17815,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17785\/revisions\/17815"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17791"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17785"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}