(South) Africa on the global stage

On 21 March 2024 from 12:00-14:00, ECDPM is hosting a hybrid meeting featuring a dialogue with Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive, South Africa Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).

Please register here (for both in-person or online attendance)

In today’s complex and changing global order, South Africa is taking a more prominent role. And the continent as a whole is also carving out its role in the emerging global order.

As three countries from the ‘Global South’ take on consecutive presidencies of the G20, the priorities and dynamics are changing. South Africa will be taking over the presidency from Brazil in 2025. In this lunch-seminar, Elizabeth Sidiropoulos will share her views on SA’s priorities and role in the G20 and she will shed light on the opportunities and challenges of AU’s recent membership to the G20. Beyond the G20, South Africa has also made its mark by taking Israel to the International Court of Justice in the context of the conflict in Gaza, its role in the BRICS, its proposal to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war, etc. This year the country will also have elections, which may impact its positioning in the world.

In this context, with a more assertive positioning of (South) Africa, what are the possibilities for Europe and Africa to work together to tackle some of the major challenges the world is facing? What will it take to bridge the growing divide?