South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola speaks during a press conference on preparations ahead of Saturday's Group of 20 (G20) Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 17, 2025. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)

JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- With just five days to go before the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders' Summit, South Africa is fully prepared to welcome world leaders to Johannesburg, South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said Monday.

Briefing journalists on preparations ahead of Saturday's Summit, Lamola said everything remained "on track," with 42 countries having confirmed their participation.

Lamola emphasized that South Africa's role as the first African country to host the G20 has helped elevate African perspectives on the global stage, placing issues of inclusivity and inequality firmly in the spotlight.

Lamola said negotiations on the South African Declaration had already begun, expressing hope that a final declaration could be reached.

All G20 member states, excluding the United States, would be represented, according to the minister. The gathering will also include 16 guest countries and six countries representing Regional Economic Communities from Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia.

Lamola also provided details about the three sessions that will take place over the two-day Summit, namely "inclusive and sustainable economic growth", "building a resilient world", and "a fair and just future for all." Discussions will span a wide range of issues, including trade, development finance, the global debt challenge, climate change, food systems, the just transition, critical minerals, decent work, and artificial intelligence.

Lamola said the country was confident that its G20 Presidency would leave a positive and enduring legacy. "It is our firm belief that the outcomes of the South African Summit will be ambitious and leave a lasting legacy for the cause of the African continent and the Global South beyond South Africa's historic G20 Presidency," he said.

The G20 Leaders' Summit is set to be held at the Nasrec Expo Center in Johannesburg, from Saturday to Sunday. ■

South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola (2nd R) speaks during a press conference on preparations ahead of Saturday's Group of 20 (G20) Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 17, 2025. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)