V20 SOUTH AFRICA

Event Details

Values 20 (V20) is a global umbrella body that seeks to create a global awareness of values, operating alongside the G20 framework to integrate values and values-based leadership into global strategic conversations. Since its inception in 2020, V20 has evolved through successive presidencies: Saudi Arabia (2020), Italy (2021), Indonesia (2022), India (2023), and Brazil (2024).

In 2025, under South Africa’s Presidency of the G20, the V20 South Africa (V20 SA) chapter has adopted the theme of 'Living Values'. This theme is both an aspiration and a call to action, inviting individuals, institutions, communities and nations to not only articulate values but to embody them consistently, visibly, and courageously. As the first African host, V20 SA has positioned itself as an important contributor to embedding an African values lens in global discourse. 

Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development is South Africa's theme for its G20 Presidency, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nations and people to address global challenges through unified support, fair opportunities for all, and meeting current needs without compromising the future. Building on the three-pronged theme, V20 SA’s work are five aspirational values: dignity, ubuntu, agency and accountability, integrity and ethical governance, underpinned by values-based leadership. These values serve as both a moral compass for our society and a practical framework for action. They provide the lens through which we pursue South Africa’s G20 priorities of solidarity, equality, and sustainable development.

The Values 20 Summit 2025 brings together global leaders, policymakers, academics, and practitioners to advance a values-driven approach to shaping societies.

15 October - The Summit begins with a special Vice-Chancellors’ session

Hosted by UCT VC Professor Mosa Moshabela on values in higher education, setting the tone for two days of meaningful dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. The VC’s session includes engagement with Chancellors, Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Students on the role of Values in higher education. 

In person event held  at UCT d-school Africa, Middle Campus (13:00 - 17:00)

16 October - Day 1

Summit focuses on presenting the Values 20 Policy Recommendations to the G20, offering thought leadership and insights around solidarity, equality, and sustainability. 

Hybrid event held at the Nedbank Auditorium. Clocktower, Waterfront (08:30 - 17:30)

17 October -  Day 2

Practical action, exploring how these recommendations and other strategies can be implemented to enable Living Values in our communities. Participants are invited to join a range of parallel sessions, led by strategic partners and international thought leaders, covering key themes such as technology, governance, education, youth, leadership, and sustainability. 

Hybrid event held at UCT GSB, Breakwater Campus (08:30 - 15:30)

Please note: If joining us online: After you have RSVP'd for the on-line session, you will get an email with the webinar link and instructions for joining / connecting to the session, closer to the time.