City of Joburg Mayor Sends Strong Message to G20: Recognise the Role of Cities

U20 2025

City of Johannesburg Mayor, Cllr Dada Morero, has delivered a firm call to the G20, urging world leaders to acknowledge the central role cities play in tackling global challenges and to provide the resources needed to turn ambitions into meaningful outcomes.

Speaking at the U20 Closing Plenary in Sandton recently, Morero emphasised that cities are not passive players in global affairs, but essential actors who must be recognised as equal partners in shaping sustainable and inclusive solutions.

“The U20 Communiqué is our call to action — a demand that the G20 recognise the critical role of cities, provide the resources we need, and work with us to turn ambition into outcomes that matter,” said Morero.

He highlighted three key priorities for the G20: direct funding for cities, stronger partnerships, and a greater role for local governments in shaping international decisions.

“The U20 Communiqué we have developed is more than words on a page; it is our collective voice. It is a statement that cities are not waiting for permission. We are partners, innovators, and essential actors in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future,” Morero added.

South African Cities United

The message was echoed by City of Tshwane Mayor, Dr. Nasiphi Moya, who pledged her city’s full support for the Communiqué.

“With over four million residents, this Communiqué speaks directly to the priorities of our city and the daily struggles of our people. As the Council of Tshwane, we stand firmly behind it, recognising that it reflects the urgent needs of our communities,” Moya said.

Global Voices in Agreement

The three-day summit brought together mayors, experts, and partners for discussions on urban priorities and global issues. Mayor of Freetown and Co-Chair of C40 Cities, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, underlined that the Communiqué offers governments practical guidance.

“The U20 summit hasn’t been a talk show: every single one of the priorities in the U20 Communiqué speaks to the issues our residents face daily. It reinforces our positions as cities, provides direction, and offers central governments a clear opportunity to incorporate the work of our cities into their agendas,” she said.

Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, described the Communiqué as a landmark moment.

“This communiqué signals a new era of multilateralism, where cities are no longer bystanders but co-authors of a shared global future. It is a powerful statement of our collective commitment to a just transition, proving that meaningful climate action is inseparable from social equity.”

Similarly, UCLG Secretary-General Emilia Saiz said the document demonstrates the power of local governments to rebuild trust and shape transformation.

“The U20 Communiqué shows that local and regional governments can drive the transformations needed to rebuild trust in democracy. We are not only demonstrating what cities can do but offering a new vision for the world and renewed multilateralism.”

Path to the G20 Summit

The U20 Communiqué was formally received by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosi Hlabisa, who assured participants it would be tabled at the upcoming G20 Summit in November.

With Johannesburg playing host to the summit, Mayor Morero’s message resonated far beyond the city’s borders: cities are indispensable to solving today’s global crises — from climate change to inequality — and they are ready to be recognised as key partners in shaping the future.