South Africa Welcomes G20 Science Commitments Following Carnarvon Ministerial Meeting

G20 Ministers Convene in Northern Cape

South Africa has voiced its satisfaction with the commitments made by G20 countries regarding science, following a significant ministerial meeting held in Carnarvon, Northern Cape. The event, which took place on September 24, 2025, saw approximately 400 delegates, including science ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders, gather at the site of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). This meeting was a key part of South Africa's broader hosting of the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) and Ministerial Meetings.

Key Commitments and the Tshwane Declaration

The G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting, which culminated in the adoption of the Tshwane Declaration on September 23, 2025, in Pretoria, outlined several critical areas for global scientific cooperation. Under the leadership of South Africa's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, the discussions championed a theme of 'solidarity, equality, and sustainability'. Key commitments and priorities included:

• Strengthening pandemic preparedness.
• Targeted research and development in emerging technologies, particularly in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and mining.
• Continuing the development of critical and high-end skills.
• Advancing an agenda focused on open innovation and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
• Promoting biodiversity information for sustainable development.
• Enhancing diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility in science, technology, and innovation.

The G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB) also introduced 10 voluntary, non-binding, high-level principles to guide global bioeconomy activities, emphasizing sustainable development, inclusivity, and climate change mitigation.

SKA Site Showcases South Africa's Scientific Leadership

The choice of the SKA site in Carnarvon for the ministerial gathering underscored South Africa's significant role in global scientific endeavors. Minister Nzimande hosted visiting G20 Ministers of Science and Technology at the facility, showcasing the nation's leadership in international science collaboration. The SKA project, a multi-billion rand undertaking being built between South Africa and Australia, is set to become the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope. The visit aimed to highlight the project's progress and attract further international collaboration and funding. South Africa also emphasized its commitment to developing a pan-African genome strategy and creating a platform focused on disaster management, particularly in response to climate change challenges.

Future Outlook for Global Science Collaboration

South Africa's positive reception of the G20 science commitments reflects its dedication to leveraging science, technology, and innovation for national and global development. The outcomes of these meetings are expected to foster continued cooperation among G20 countries, ensuring mutual benefit from groundbreaking scientific advances and addressing complex global challenges through innovation-driven approaches.