This year’s Urban 20 (U20) Sherpa Meeting, co-chaired by the cities of Tshwane and Johannesburg, took place June 12-13 in Tshwane and kicked off in-person discussions on collective city priorities, informing advocacy in this year’s South Africa G20 cycle.
City issues took centre stage at the U20 Sherpa Meeting, where 27 delegates from G20 member cities discussed the following priorities:
- Economic opportunities and financing
- Climate action and urban resilience
- Social inclusion and equity
- Digital transformation and innovation
The U20 is an advocacy group led by cities, for cities. Recognised by the G20 as a formal engagement group, cities that are part of the U20 have the unique chance to influence national government negotiations throughout the G20 cycle. For the first time, these discussions are taking place on the African continent.
Thanks to the leadership of this year’s host City of Tshwane and convening support from C40 and UCLG, the U20 Sherpas (aka city officials representing their mayors) made significant progress towards finalising a collective set of advocacy calls for G20 national governments in a joint Urban 20 Communiqué.
Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Dr Nasiphi Moya, said: “[Tshwane’s] infrastructure is prepared, our people are eager, and our commitment is unwavering. Hosting this historic Urban 20 is a testament to Africa’s rising voice in shaping urban futures.”
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Secretary General, Emilia Saiz, said: “In a moment of global challenges, local multilateralism offers a critical space to foster dialogue and anchor global governance to deliver for our planet and our people. The first Urban 20 held in Africa is a historic opportunity to demonstrate how cities and territories in the Global South are driving social transformation—delivering inclusive public services, advancing care, justice, and sustainability. For local action to match global ambition, cities need sustained, predictable, and accessible financing to invest in the long-term well-being of their communities.”
African cities call on finance ministers: Fund local climate action
Tshwane also hosted the first-ever African Mayors Assembly alongside the U20 Sherpa Meeting, which saw key leaders across municipalities, regions, and national governments exploring inclusive and sustainable African solutions in economic development and climate action. The goal is to work towards a united, regional front on these important issues.
Discussions centred around the need for: a bold vision for inclusive urban transformation, reforming procurement laws to fast-track local innovation, scaling climate-resilient infrastructure and unlocking green finance.
Discussions also crossed over with the U20 Sherpa, specifically on the topic of finance advocacy. Originally launched in February 2025 at the Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum in Nairobi, C40’s open letter to African Finance Ministers was promoted in discussions and now includes six new signatories, bringing the total of committed African cities to 40. This increase signals a clear trend: cities are united in their call to unlock barriers to finance and demand bolder, direct urban financing to power the sustainable, resilient development that cities need to lead in the face of an escalating climate emergency.
Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, said: “Johannesburg proudly joins Tshwane in co-hosting this critical dialogue. As economic engines and microcosms of global challenges, African cities hold the key to transformative solutions. This Assembly is where local action meets global ambition. We will showcase how Joburg is tackling urbanisation pressures while advocating fiercely for accessible, predictable financing. Cities cannot build a sustainable future with one hand tied behind their backs.”
Scaling impact: How African cities are leading on climate action
C40 Cities’ UCAP Climate Action Implementation (CAI) programme co-hosted a side event with Tshwane. The session, Upscaling Climate Action in Cities, highlighted the progress of African cities in delivering tangible climate solutions. From adaptation to low-carbon urban development, seven African C40 cities—backed by UK government funding—are translating ambition into action. With the programme coming to an end, the focus now turns to the future: how can cities unlock and leverage climate finance to scale and sustain their impact?
C40 Cities Executive Director, Mark Watts, said: “Cities continue to punch above their weight as part of the global climate response, particularly in showing that multilateralism is alive and well between cities. We celebrate the leadership of cities like Tshwane, which has successfully worked to reduce water loss and Johannesburg, which is implementing net-zero building standards across the city—showing how South African cities are not only responding to the climate crisis, but actively shaping a just, green future for the world. Cities are key partners to national governments to drive climate action, create jobs and build resilient communities.”
Youth spotlight: The U20 Sustainability Schools Programme
On 11 June 2025, ahead of the U20 Sherpa Meeting, the City of Tshwane launched the U20 Sustainability Schools Programme at Groenkloof Nature Reserve in an event marked by active participation and inspiration.
Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Dr Nasiphi Moya engaged directly with the young people present in ways that affirmed her role as a mayor for the community—one who genuinely listens to the everyday concerns of youth and sees them as pivotal to the city’s progress. Her inclusive and energetic approach brought together a wide range of stakeholders and underscored the city’s commitment to youth-led, sustainable development.
Designed to extend beyond the 2025 U20 cycle, the programme aims to empower the next generation through practical, hands-on experiences, exposure and motivation that will inform career choices and cultivate real-world skills. By connecting students with opportunities in business, tourism, and sustainability across sectors, the U20 Sustainability Schools Programme will help young people explore future pathways while driving positive long-term impact for African cities.
Paving the way for September: U20 next steps
In the coming weeks, the U20 co-chairs have been invited to share a summary of priorities from the U20 Sherpa meeting discussions with the G20 South African Presidency and representatives of G20 member states early on in the cycle. The finalised communiqué will then be formally presented to the Presidency in Johannesburg over 12 to 14 September 2025, where U20 cities and mayors will meet again for the U20 2025 Mayors Summit and take actions forward.