SA’s G20 Sherpa Is Championing Global Equity and Cooperation
By Jessie Taylor
Zane Dangor is at the forefront of South Africa’s G20 presidency, leading critical negotiations and shaping global discussions on economic development, inclusivity, and sustainability. As the country’s G20 Sherpa, he plays a crucial role in ensuring that South Africa’s priorities are effectively represented on the world stage.
Driving South Africa’s G20 Agenda
Zane Dangor serves as South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, playing a pivotal role in shaping and negotiating the agenda for the country’s presidency of the G20. As the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Mr Dangor brings extensive experience in diplomacy, international law, and social development to his role as Sherpa. His responsibilities include overseeing discussions, facilitating agreements, and ensuring that South Africa’s priorities are effectively represented in G20 negotiations. The Sherpa Track, which Mr Dangor leads on behalf of South Africa, is essential in setting the stage for the G20 summit. It allows representatives to engage in in-depth discussions on key global issues such as economic development, inequality, climate change, and sustainable growth.
These discussions then form the foundation for agreements reached at the summit by world leaders. Mr Dangor has had a long and distinguished career in international relations and human rights. Prior to his role as Director-General at DIRCO, he was a Special Adviser to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. He has also worked with international organisations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and has held leadership roles within South Africa’s Department of Social Development. His expertise in law, development management, and governance make him well suited for the complex negotiations required at the G20 level.
Under South Africa’s presidency, Mr Dangor has emphasised the importance of addressing global inequalities, a theme that aligns with the broader G20 focus on “solidarity, equality, and sustainability.” Mr Dangor has played a critical role in shaping discussions around fair trade, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth within the G20 framework. He has also pointed to the necessity of improving policies and resources at national and international levels to address economic disparities and social justice concerns. His participation in G20 meetings has reinforced South Africa’s commitment to advocating for a fairer and more inclusive global economic system.
As Sherpa, Mr Dangor also facilitates dialogue between foreign ministers and finance deputies within the G20. He has noted differences in the level of support for themes between these two groups, particularly around solidarity and equality. He has emphasised the G20’s role in global economic governance and its importance in maintaining a fair and sustainable global trading system.
With only five years remaining to meet the SDGs, Mr Dangor has reiterated the urgency of accelerating international efforts to foster inclusive supply chains and resilient economies. His leadership in the Sherpa Track ensures that South Africa’s presidency remains focused on creating equitable solutions for global challenges while reinforcing the nation’s role as a key player in international economic cooperation.
The Sherpa Track: Guiding Global Discussions
The G20, established in 1999, serves as a premier forum for international economic cooperation, bringing together 19 countries and the European Union to address global economic challenges. The G20 operates through two main official tracks: the Finance Track and the Sherpa Track. The Sherpa Track, introduced in 2008 when the G20 evolved into a leaders’ summit, focuses on a broad spectrum of socio-economic issues beyond the immediate realm of finance. In the context of the G20, a “Sherpa” refers to a personal representative of a head of state or government.
The term is borrowed from the Sherpa people of Nepal, renowned for their guiding role in Himalayan expeditions, symbolising guidance and support. G20 Sherpas are instrumental in preparing for summits, facilitating negotiations, and building consensus among member countries on various developmental and policy issues. The Sherpa Track encompasses several working groups.
These working groups convene regularly to deliberate on their respective focus areas, develop policy recommendations, and prepare documents that contribute to the discussions and outcomes of the annual G20 summit. The Sherpa Track ensures that a wide array of global issues, from environmental sustainability to digital transformation, are addressed in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
By facilitating dialogue and collaboration among member countries, the Sherpa Track plays a crucial role in shaping policies that aim to foster inclusive growth, sustainable development, and global stability. It complements the Finance Track by integrating economic discussions with social, environmental, and technological considerations, thereby providing a holistic approach to global governance.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency
South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, marking a significant milestone as the first African nation to lead the forum. This presidency comes at a pivotal time, with only five years remaining to achieve the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” South Africa aims to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, and geopolitical instability. The presidency emphasises the African philosophy of Ubuntu, reflecting the interconnectedness of individuals and nations, encapsulated in the phrase “I am because we are.”
Key Priorities During South Africa’s G20 Leadership Include:
- Inclusive Economic Growth: Focusing on industrialization, employment, and reducing inequality to promote sustainable development.
- Food Security: Ensuring access to nutritious food and addressing hunger globally.
- Artificial Intelligence and Innovation: Leveraging technology for sustainable development and addressing societal challenges.
Sources: Sources: APNews | TheTimes | G20 | DIRCO | Polity
