The Group of 20 (G20) plays a crucial role in shaping global economic and development policies thus also having a direct role in influencing the global health agenda. In 2025, South Africa took on the G20 presidency with a mandate to fast track and strengthen partnerships towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to do this through the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’, which recognizes that together, nations can achieve more, and that no one is left behind – especially the most marginalized and vulnerable communities.

Under South Africa’s leadership, the theme for G20 is, ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’. At the intersection of this bold approach, is a commitment to ensuring that communities are not left behind by ensuring representation and agenda setting through engagement groups such as the Civil20 (C20), Think-tank20 (T20), Youth20 (Y20), and many others. ‘South Africa fully supports the approach of strengthening partnerships and expanding dialogue with a wide range of actors; including States, international organizations and civil society; to collectively shape the G20’s approach to issues requiring international cooperation’. Through consultative processes, these groups will develop policy briefs to inform South Africa’s G20 offering.

As alluded to global health policy is one of the key outcomes of the G20 processes – thus in alignment with Unitaid’s mission to save lives by urgently making health products accessible, available and affordable for people who need them most. To date, Unitaid has actively contributed to South Africa’s G20 leadership by providing technical support and facilitating high-level side events on key health issues such as for example cervical cancer.

Beyond health policy and technical support to South Africa’s G20 work, Unitaid has a bold approach of catalytic and community centered health innovations sustained through meaningful partnerships with governments, and global health partners, as well as civil society and community engagement strategies. Key to Unitaid’s participation in G20 processes, is a commitment to ensure that civil society organizations and communities are at the center of health innovations through advocacy, policy agenda setting and platforms to enable community centered health initiatives – informed and co-created by communities that are most affected.

To achieve this, we will co-host a side event, along with civil society partners, technical working groups, and a diverse representation of community stakeholders and leaders, to identify impactful pathways to a healthy future for all. This event will explore catalytic models for community-centered equitable health advancements that are inclusive, responsive and resilient.