The Government of South Africa, under its Presidency of the G20, has formally endorsed the Children20 (Ch20) as one of the official engagement groups of the G20 Social Summit. This milestone embeds children’s voices and priorities into one of the world’s most influential global forums for economic and social policy.
The South African Presidency builds on the groundwork laid during the Brazilian Presidency of 2024, when leading child rights organisations addressed President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a joint correspondence on 29 May 2024, urging the meaningful inclusion of children and adolescents in the G20 process.
A New Chapter for Child Rights in Global Governance
Hosted by the South African National Child Rights Coalition, the Children20 Secretariat operates through a co-leadership model that balances power between children and adults. This ensures accountability and inclusivity across Africa and the Global South.
The Secretariat includes national, regional, and global child rights organisations. Mr Kgomotso Montsho, Chairperson of the Children20, provides overall vision and coordination for the Pre-Summit and represents Children20 in official G20 engagements. Mr Anzio Jacobs, Sherpa for the Children20 track, leads negotiations, aligns policy positions with G20 processes, and oversees the drafting of the Children20 Declaration.
Empowering Children to Shape Global Policy
Children20 gives children and adolescents a direct platform to co-create policy recommendations on critical global issues, including:
- Inequality
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Poverty and food insecurity
- Digital inclusion and safety
- Climate justice
- Health and quality education
- Gender equality and inclusion
- Social protection
- Innovative financing for children
These focus areas draw from the Children in G20 Policy Pack developed under Brazil’s Presidency, highlighting sectors where G20 action can make a transformative impact.
“This step is not symbolic – it is transformative. By creating a formal G20 track for children, South Africa affirms that children are not only beneficiaries of global policies but also active participants in shaping them,” said Anzio Jacobs, Sherpa for the Children20 track.
National Strategy and Global Leadership
The South African Presidency noted that “the participation of children, especially in decision-making that impacts their lives, is embedded in the Presidential-led National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC). Children20 is an important step for our country as we adopt an all-of-society approach to prioritise children at the highest levels.”
The Global Leaders Network, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, brings together Heads of State and Government committed to improving the health and well-being of women, adolescents, and children worldwide. The adoption of the Children20 represents a bold step toward that global commitment.
Roadmap and Upcoming Milestones
The Children20 Secretariat has outlined a roadmap leading to the Children20 Pre-Summit, set for 15–16 November 2025 in Johannesburg, ahead of the G20 Social Summit. The timeline includes:
- A media launch
- Thematic working group co-creation workshops
- National and regional child dialogues
- Drafting of the Children’s Declaration for G20 Leaders
Children across South Africa and the African continent will contribute to this process, ensuring diverse representation and meaningful participation.
The Children20’s work will conclude with active participation at the G20 Social Summit, where the Global Child Poverty Report, led by UNICEF, will be officially launched.
