Gqeberha: 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.
According to South African Government News Agency, the meetings are held under the theme: ‘Living and Working in an Unequal World: Ensuring Decent Work and Decent Lives’, aligning 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, gender equality in the workforce, addressing inequality and declining labour income share, and social security and digitalisation for an inclusive future of work.
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. Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, expressed pride in Gqeberha hosting this historic event, highlighting the city’s growing role as a destination for international collaboration and discourse.
Lobishe stated, “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.”
In addition to the EWG meeting, Gqeberha will also host several key G20 gatherings throughout the year, including the Second Digital Economy Working Group, the Employment Working Group Ministerial Meeting, the Fourth Trade and Investment Working Group, the Trade and Investment Working Group Ministerial Meeting, and the Women Empowerment Working Group.
Mayor Lobishe emphasized the significance of these events, stating, “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.”
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, with the Employment Working Group being a critical component of the discussions.