JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's G20 Social Summit underscored children's rights and participation, highlighting their role in decision-making for their futures.
This comes after the recent Children20 Pre-Summit in Johannesburg, where children from across Africa gathered to discuss and debate issues impacting their lives.
They produced a declaration outlining priorities for G20 leaders to promote a just and inclusive world, engaging with themes central to the official summit.
Thursday also marks World Children's Day.
Childline CEO Dumisile Nala discussed the Children's 20 and what it meant for children.
As South Africa hosts the #G20, children shouldn't be forgotten.
UNICEF is proud to play an integral part in the #Children20 Summit, where children called for real action on issues shaping their lives today and their world tomorrow.
Their vision is bold, and must be acted upon. pic.twitter.com/87sSYGu3Ch— UNICEF South Africa (@UNICEF_SA) November 19, 2025
Children20 is a global first — a G20 platform that brings children into conversations on critical issues.
Anzio Jacobs highlights its mission: to elevate children's voices and influence policies that shape their lives.#NMCF30 #Children20 #G20SocialSummit #ChildParticipation pic.twitter.com/DXjrnlubzj— ChildlineSouthAfrica (@ChildlineSA) November 19, 2025
"Children were very clear that their voices must be heard and that no decisions must be made without them," Nala said.
"They want a seat at the table and definitely through this G20 in South Africa we have been able to achieve that."
Nala said the attending children were able voice their thoughts on issues of trade, climate change and other G20 priorities.
Children developed bold inputs for the Children20 Declaration on digital access, trade, climate justice, finance and the SDGs.
Amogelang Mashele will present their voice to the G20 Presidency Main Summit.
Children deserve a seat at the G20 table.#NMCF30#Children20 pic.twitter.com/qzJ1qxb5aM— Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (@NMCF_SA) November 15, 2025
— Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (@NMCF_SA) November 15, 2025
Childline South Africa joins the G20 Social Summit in Ekurhuleni 🇿🇦 and here are some highlights from Day 1 of the Social Summit. Children’s voices must be heard — their rights are human rights. Declarations from #Children20 will be presented at the #G20SocialSummitSA2025. pic.twitter.com/0dYtvL4PbO
The Children20 Declaration has been handed to Amogelang Mashele, President of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament.
She will take children’s voices, priorities and demands to the G20 Presidency Main Summit.
Did you know that November is Children’s Month?
Fitting that South Africa has included Children20 as an engagement group in the G20 Social Summit – a global first. #G20SouthAfrica #Children20 #Rekoafela #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/lE6jafTIGX— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 14, 2025