Mr Luthando Molefe.Driving Sustainable and Inclusive Global Progress
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Mr Luthando Molefe, a PhD candidate at UKZN, has recently been appointed to the South Africa Working Group of the Group of 20 (G20) to participate in a summit scheduled for 18-22 August.
The South African G20 Presidency runs from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, themed ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability’ it marks the first time an African country will preside over the G20.
The G20 is an international forum that brings together the world’s major developed and developing economies to discuss global economic and financial issues. It does not have a permanent secretariat or staff, and the presidency rotates among its member countries. G20 members represent around 85% of the global gross domestic product, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population.
As part of South Africa’s hosting of various G20 engagement groups, Molefe has been appointed to serve in the Youth 20 (Y20) - the official youth engagement group of the G20.
Y20 South Africa 2025, under the theme ‘Youth Building Bridges: Uniting for Solidarity, Championing Equality, and Driving Sustainability’, aims to empower young leaders to shape global policies that reflect youth priorities. As the official youth engagement group of the G20, Y20 South Africa serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and action - ensuring that young voices contribute meaningfully to global decision-making. The summit will focus on thematic areas aligned with South Africa’s G20 Presidency agenda, reinforcing the role of youth in driving sustainable and inclusive global progress.
Molefe said: “It is a great honour to be appointed to such a significant role where I will be representing South Africa. This appointment affords me the opportunity to actively discuss some of the challenges young people face in accessing and being part and parcel in shaping dialogues and policies, including implementation to the challenges they experience first-hand. Moreover, to engage in critical debates on various routes that can be explored in re-engineering multilateralism and global institutions to better and equally address the needs of all involved, particularly those who have been left behind over the years. This will then ensure critical values such as inclusion, equality, trust and transparency. Further pushing for sustainable development.”
To ensure the long-term impact of Y20 policy recommendations, Y20 South Africa 2025 will propose the establishment of the Y20 Sherpas Council - or alternatively, the Y20 International Advisory Council. This council would consist of experienced youth leaders, policymakers and experts from G20 nations, tasked with overseeing the implementation of agreed-upon recommendations. By offering strategic advice, facilitating intergovernmental co-operation and monitoring progress, the council will help ensure that youth voices remain integral to global policymaking.
Molefe is no stranger to international engagement. In 2023, he represented South Africa at the 8th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Young Scientists Forum, following the 11th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting, led by then Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande.
In 2023 and 2024, he also participated in the BRICS South Africa-Brazil Bilateral Forum, South Africa-Russia Bilateral Forum, South Africa-India Bilateral Forum and the Africa-BRICS Youth Forum, under the South African BRICS Youth Association.
To date, Molefe has presented his research and served as a keynote or plenary speaker and guest lecturer at over 60 international and national conferences in more than 15 countries.
Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Supplied