All eyes are on Gqeberha as the city hosts the first G20 Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting, set to take place from 18-21 February 2025 at the renowned Boardwalk International Convention Centre.
As part of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the country will hold a series of crucial Employment Working Group meetings, focusing on key labour and employment challenges, as well as technical sessions and high-level ministerial meetings.
Held under the theme: “Living and Working in an Unequal World: Ensuring Decent Work and Decent Lives”, the meetings will align with South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.
The EWG meetings will focus on four key priorities, including:
• Inclusive Growth and Youth Employment – Reduce (not in employment, education, or training) (NEET) rates through job-rich growth, skills development, youth entrepreneurship and strengthened labour market institutions.
• Gender Equality in the Workforce – Closing pay gaps, tackling job segregation, and boosting women’s participation in STEM and leadership.
• Addressing Inequality and Declining Labour Income Share – Promoting fair wage-setting mechanisms to reverse the decline in labour income share and reduce economic inequality.
• Social Security and Digitalisation for an Inclusive Future of Work – Ensuring fair work in the digital economy by addressing AI, platform work and social protection expansion.
The first G20 EWG meeting will focus on pressing issues, including inclusive growth, youth employment, gender equality, income inequality, and the impact of digitalisation on the future of work.
Expressing her enthusiasm on the city hosting this historic event, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said Gqeberha is proud to be the host city for several of these important events, underscoring the city’s growing role as a destination for international collaboration and discourse.
"We, as South Africans, stand together in celebration of this remarkable achievement. South Africa is the first African country to host the G20, a momentous occasion that speaks to the growth, leadership, and global recognition of our nation.
“This is not just a victory for South Africa, but for the entire African continent, as we demonstrate our capacity to lead on the world stage. Nelson Mandela Bay is honoured to play its part in hosting these vital meetings, showcasing our city as a beacon of progress, innovation, and collaboration,” Lobishe said.
In addition to the EWG meeting, Gqeberha will also host several key G20 gatherings throughout the year, including:
• The Second Digital Economy Working Group from 8-12 April 2025.
• The Employment Working Group Ministerial Meeting from 25-26 July 2025.
• The Fourth Trade and Investment Working Group from 7-9 October 2025.
• The Trade and Investment Working Group Ministerial Meeting on 10 October 2025.
• The Women Empowerment Working Group on 24 October 2025.
“These events signify a tremendous opportunity for our city to showcase its strengths and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including employment, digital economy, trade, investment, and women’s empowerment. As a city, we look forward to fostering meaningful dialogue, exchange of ideas, and tangible outcomes that benefit not only our country but the entire global community,” the mayor said.
“Nelson Mandela Bay is excited to welcome delegates, dignitaries and international leaders to our city, and we are committed to ensuring that the G20 meetings will be a resounding success. These gatherings will further cement Nelson Mandela Bay’s and South Africa’s place as a key player in global discussions and as a growing hub for international events,” Lobishe said.
The Mayor extended an invitation to all citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay to embrace this historic moment and opportunity to be part of South Africa’s leadership on the world stage.
South Africa will host the G20 meetings from 1 December 2024 until 30 November 2025.
The G20 has about 19 member countries that represent 85% of global GDP and 75% of global trade. There are 16 working groups, and the Employment Working Group is among the critical components of the discussions. – SAnews.gov.za
