Global Citizen and partners gather big minds in Sandton on eve 2025 G20 Summit

To be hosted by actress, humanitarian, and Global Citizen Ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha, speakers include President Cyril Ramaphosa, President Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, President Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, Prime Minister Jonas GahrStøre, Prime Minister of Norway and Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women.

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

We all know that all eyes are on the G20 leaders Summit taking place this week in Johannesburg, in fact it is the first such meeting to take place on African soil. South Africa this year is the host of this important meeting by thought leaders and people of influence in the world. And so this is a big global event where big decision on what needs to be done to shape the future of the world are expected to be made by those who are gathering.

However progressive organisations from around the world have also organised their own ‘G20’ meetings to take place parallel to the official gathering of the leaders, but also equally expected to ask the hard questions and look for solutions today’s biggest challenges confronting Mother Earth One such important meeting which has been organised, a gathering of leading minds is Global Citizen NOW: Johannesburg, taking place on the eve of the 2025 G20 Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre.  

Organised by Global Citizen with presenting partner Harith General Partners, and major partners Octopus Energy, Pele Energy Group, and Transenergy Global, supported by Genesis Energy and PayPal and held on the afternoon of 21 November 2025, Global Citizen NOW: Johannesburg will bring together leaders from government, business, multilateral institutions, and civil society to drive action on the world’s most urgent challenges.

Hosted by actress, humanitarian, and Global Citizen Ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha speakers include:

• President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa
• President Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
• President Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia
• Prime Minister Jonas GahrStøre, Prime Minister of Norway
• Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women
• Sipho Makhubela, Chief Executive Officer, Harith General Partners
• Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Singer-Songwriter, Entrepreneur, and Humanitarian
• Sherwin Charles, CEO and Co-Founder of Goodbye Malaria
• Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Global Citizen Europe Board Chair
• Jito Kayumba, Special Advisor to the President of Zambia on Finance and Investment
• Nandi Madida, Apple Music Host, Philanthropist, and Podcast Founder
• Matsi Modise, Founder and CEO of Furaha
• Lady Roslyn Morauta, Board Chair, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
• Alexio Musindo, ILO Director for South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, and Lesotho
• Mzansi Youth Choir
• Siv Ngesi, actor, comedian, and producer
• Dr. Sibulele Sibaca-Nomnganga, global health advocate and social change engineer
• Zoisa North-Bond, CEO, Octopus Energy Generation
• Akinwole Omoboriowo II, Chairman and CEO, Genesis Energy Group
• GqiRaoleka, CEO and Co-Founder, Pele Energy Group
• Pearl Thusi, actress, DJ, and entrepreneur
• Duncan Ward, Co-Founder and Managing Director, TransEnergy Global
• And more to be announced.

This invite-only event will serve as a strategic moment to drive commitments, elevate critical policy issues, and shape the global conversation on financing for development.

Event Details

Where: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton, 2196, South Africa
When: November 21, 2025, Doors open at 12pm

.Global Citizen NOW has previously convened heads of state, UN officials, CEOs, philanthropists, and activists in cities including New York, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Sevilla, Detroit, and Singapore. For the first time, this influential gathering comes to Johannesburg, continuing its mission to drive meaningful outcomes on global priorities.