Africa takes the stage: Joburg welcomes the world
G20 Heads of State, invited leaders, and heads of international organizations, captured at the G20 Leaders’ Summit hosted by South Africa at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Gauteng. South Africa, which took on the G20 Presidency in December, is steering the agenda under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”
Image: Siyabulela Duda / GCIS
For the first time in history, the G20 Summit unfolded on African soil, with Johannesburg transforming into a diplomatic epicentre as world leaders arrived to confront shared global challenges.
The gathering set out to drive more inclusive economic growth, unlock sustainable development, accelerate climate action, and forge stronger partnerships designed to elevate Africa’s voice in global economic governance.
Pictured below are some of the leaders whose presence underscored the significance of this milestone moment for the continent and the world.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of the Federal Government of Malaysia ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Image: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of the Federal Government of Malaysia ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre.
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, speaking during a press conference at the Nasrec Expo Centre.
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, speaking during a press conference at the Nasrec Expo Centre.
President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Union Commission briefs the media on the South Africa–European Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
Image: Siyabulela Duda / GCIS
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil with President Cyril Ramaphosa
Image: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa in a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Premier Li Qiang of the People’s Republic of China on the margins of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Image: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey on arrival in South Africa
Image: GCIS
The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was received in South Africa by Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Image: GCIS
Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic is welcomed by Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli
Image: GCIS
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arriving in Johannesburg
Image: Facebook/The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
Vice President of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka
Image: Facebook/G20 South Africa
The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese on arrival for the G20 Summit
Image: Facebook
Deputy President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima with Minister Stella Ndabeni.
Image: GCIS
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrive in South Africa for the G20 Summit. He was received by the Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamel
Image: Facebook/G20 South Africa
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, right, was welcomed by Pieter Groenewald, Minister of Correctional Services
Image: GCIS
President of Finland Cai-Göran Alexander Stubb with Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mzwanele Nyhontso,
Image: Facebook/Department of Land Reform and Rural Development
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia was welcomed by Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga,
Image: Facebook/Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
President Emmanuel Macron of France
Image: Facebook