On World Children’s Day, President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the G20 Social Summit Declaration from nineteen South African children, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to protecting children and promoting their access to opportunities
On 22 November 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa received the G20 Social Summit Declaration from the Custodians of the Future—nineteen children representing South Africa—alongside leaders from the 22 G20 engagement groups. The gesture symbolised the voice of young people in shaping social and economic policies at the global level.
The occasion coincided with World Children’s Day, providing a platform to reflect on the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and South Africa’s dedication to advancing children’s rights. President Ramaphosa highlighted the urgent need to address child poverty and hunger, emphasising that no child should be left behind in the country’s developmental agenda.
He further stressed the importance of protecting children from abuse, exploitation and neglect while ensuring access to education, healthcare, and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth. The President noted that empowering children is not only a moral imperative but a cornerstone for sustainable development and social cohesion.
The presence of the nineteen young custodians underscored the role of children as active participants in society, encouraging policymakers to integrate youth perspectives into decision-making. Through this engagement, South Africa aims to foster a generation equipped to tackle the challenges of the future with resilience, creativity, and responsibility.
President Ramaphosa concluded by reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to global collaboration through forums like the G20 Social Summit, highlighting the shared responsibility of leaders to safeguard the rights and welfare of children worldwide.
Source: The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
