The event arrives at a significant juncture: GCNSA is celebrating its 25th anniversary, while South Africa holds the presidency of the G20, a powerful forum comprising 19 nations plus the European and African Unions. The conference serves as a key milestone in the global sustainability dialogue and comes at a time when strategic vision and bold leadership are needed more than ever.
A Forum for Meaningful Change
Dubbed the One Global Compact Forum, the conference is more than just a high-level gathering — it’s a think tank on steroids. According to Dr Achieng Ojwang, Executive Director of the GCNSA, the event will bring together directors from Global Compact Networks around the world alongside the leadership of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) to chart a course for the short- and medium-term future of sustainable business practices worldwide.
“The conference comes at a critical moment,” Dr Ojwang notes, pointing to both global geopolitical tensions and South Africa’s specific economic challenges. “It offers a vital platform for civil society and business leaders to engage in meaningful conversations that will shape the country’s sustainability journey.”
Voices That Matter
The conference will feature heavyweight speakers from both the public and private sectors. Among them is Minister in the Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, who will take part in the opening session alongside:
- Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa
- Mpumi Madisa, Bidvest Group CEO and GCNSA Board Chair
- Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact
- Dr Achieng Ojwang, Executive Director of GCNSA
The speaker lineup also includes prominent industry leaders such as:
- Sim Tshabalala, CEO of Standard Bank Group and Chair of the B20 South Africa Task Force on Finance & Infrastructure
- Cas Coovadia, B20 SA Sherpa
- Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, CEO of Naspers SA and Chair of the B20 SA Task Force on Digital Transformation
- Leila Fourie, CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Busi Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa
A Country at a Crossroads
The GCNSA’s recently released 2024 Private Sector Voluntary National Review doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges facing South Africa on its path to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the key barriers:
- Stagnant economic growth and persistent unemployment, exacerbated by political and economic instability
- Regulatory uncertainty, particularly in mining and energy sectors, with many companies unaware of incoming international regulations such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
- Infrastructure challenges, from power outages to logistics constraints and increasing water scarcity
- Limited access to green finance, despite rising interest in sustainable investment
- Continued reliance on coal, hampering energy transition efforts
- High perceived risk of investing in South Africa, often discouraging international capital and raising the cost of borrowing
While it’s a tough list to digest, it’s not all doom and gloom. South Africa also sits on a wealth of opportunity.
Turning Barriers into Breakthroughs
The review outlines several promising avenues for growth aligned with the SDGs:
- Smart grids and renewable energy, improving energy security while reducing carbon footprints
- Precision agriculture, boosting food security through tech-driven efficiency
- Advanced digital health solutions, broadening access to care
- Green financial instruments, unlocking capital for sustainable ventures
- Education and upskilling, focusing on tech and sustainability
- Sustainable infrastructure, including electric vehicles, green buildings, and future-proof urban planning
According to Dr Ojwang, the time is ripe for the private sector to step up:
“The shift toward sustainability offers a powerful avenue for innovation, investment and inclusive growth. Through collaboration with global leaders and local stakeholders, South African businesses have the chance to leverage green technologies, sustainable finance and progressive policy frameworks to build a resilient and equitable economy.”
She adds, “Now more than ever, it is time for the private sector to lead boldly, turning barriers into breakthroughs and positioning South Africa as a competitive, sustainable force on the global stage.”
Why It Matters Now
This conference is not just about brainstorming or patting backs — it’s about forging actionable strategies. It’s a rare moment when business, government and civil society all converge with a shared agenda: creating a sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable future for all South Africans.
And in case you were wondering — yes, tickets are still available. You can register online at GCNSA Events.
As the world watches South Africa lead the G20 under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” this conference stands to be a defining moment not just for policy wonks and C-suite executives, but for anyone who believes the future should be both profitable and just.
