The cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane, two of South Africa’s most dynamic metros, officially launched the 8th cycle of Urban 20 (U20) earlier this week.
Under the theme “Cities Leading the Way in Reimagining Global Change”, the U20 is a global initiative that brings together major cities to influence discussions at the G20 Summit for Heads of State and Government, which will also be held in Johannesburg in November 2025.
The U20 2025 co-chairs, Executive Mayor Dada Morero of Johannesburg and Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya of Tshwane, marked the start of this year-long process at the Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS) Building in Pretoria.
This historic appointment represents a significant milestone not only for South Africa but for the entire African continent. As co-chairs, Tshwane and Johannesburg will lead a global coalition of cities, highlighting Africa’s unique challenges on the world stage while showcasing its innovative solutions and untapped potential.
The new co-chairs have pledged to focus on pressing issues such as equitable economic opportunities, sustainable financing, social inclusion, and improved public services. Their leadership comes at a critical juncture, as cities worldwide face the dual crises of climate change and rapid urbanisation.
Mayor Morero stated: “This important summit serves as a strategic moment to amplify the voices of cities, particularly those in Africa, as key drivers of global progress and economic resilience. It also marks a historic milestone in the multilateralism agenda for local government, providing a powerful platform to showcase our leadership in urban governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
“Through fostering meaningful partnerships with cities and global institutions, we aim to shape the urban agenda for the G20, ensuring cities are recognised as critical players in addressing global challenges.”
Johannesburg and Tshwane will now guide approximately 50 global cities in crafting a unified message to present to national leaders ahead of the G20 Summit. The impact of this year’s U20 cycle is expected to extend far beyond the G20, with outcomes feeding into the UN World Social Summit in Doha, Qatar, and the global climate talks at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. These efforts will reinforce the vital role of cities in achieving sustainable development and climate resilience.
The U20 cycle will culminate in the U20 Mayors Summit, set to take place in Johannesburg from 12–14 September 2025. To watch the media launch, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhH2azrDUA8&list=PLKy5OA-JtCwyUr_QtMn4NZXDC8MeudrlR&index=2&pp=iAQB
As part of the build-up and activities, the two cities will be hosting a series of thematic webinars. The first U20 webinar, streamed on 26 February, focused on Digital Transformation and Innovation. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULM71BY9rSg&list=PLKy5OA-JtCwyUr_QtMn4NZXDC8MeudrlR&index=1