South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Push Global Growth and Climate Agenda at G20 Summit

GG News Bureau
Johannesburg, 22nd Nov: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Johannesburg on Friday to participate in the Group of 20 (G20) Summit, where global leaders are expected to discuss major issues surrounding inclusive growth, climate change, and sustainable development.

The two-day summit, convening world economic powers under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” marks the first G20 gathering to be held on the African continent — a development that Seoul sees as an opportunity to deepen ties with African nations.

According to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, President Lee will use the platform to present South Korea’s economic roadmap, climate commitments, and energy transition policies, pledging a more active role in international affairs at a time when multilateral cooperation remains under strain.

“President Lee will strengthen Korea’s status as a responsible global member and lead efforts to create an environment necessary to restore the multilateral trade system,” Wi said during a press briefing.

Focus on Africa Cooperation

With South Africa hosting the summit for the first time, Lee is expected to emphasise Seoul’s vision of expanding strategic partnerships with African nations, demonstrating solidarity and supporting regional development initiatives across energy, digital infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Diplomatic sources noted that Seoul’s outreach to Africa is increasingly becoming a pillar of its global economic and security framework.

Packed Diplomatic Schedule

On the sidelines of the summit, President Lee will hold a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings, reinforcing South Korea’s diplomatic network.

Among the key engagements:

• A meeting with leaders of MIKTA, the middle-power coalition of South Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey and Australia to strengthen cooperation on trade, supply chains, climate action, and technology.
• One-on-one talks with the presidents of France and Germany to discuss bilateral relations, defence cooperation, and collaborative economic projects.

Officials say Seoul will use these meetings to push for a stable and open global supply chain, particularly for high-tech industries, clean energy and semiconductors.

Wrapping Up a Strategic Tour

The G20 Summit forms the central leg of Lee’s Middle East and Africa diplomatic tour that has already included high-level visits to the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. After the summit, he will head to Turkey on Monday, underlining the administration’s ramped-up outreach to emerging economies.

As the world looks for direction amid mounting economic, environmental and geopolitical uncertainty, all eyes will be on whether Seoul’s proposals — from climate responsibility to trade reform — contribute to renewed global cooperation rather than further division.

President Lee’s G20 engagements are expected to define not only South Korea’s foreign policy posture for the coming year but also its growing relevance on the international stage.