The 2025 G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) took place from August 10–14, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme “Ubuntu in Action: Focus on Vulnerable Communities”. This annual gathering convened religious leaders, civil society organisations, government officials, multilateral institutions and scholars to explore collaborative solutions to pressing global challenges. The event was inspired by South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, and the overarching African philosophy of Ubuntu “I am because we are” (G20 Interfaith Forum).
Held at the Westin Hotel on Lower Long Street, the Forum emphasized the interconnectedness of humanity and the moral imperative to ensure that no one is left behind. Participants engaged in discussions on reversing stalled progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing overlapping and mutually reinforcing crises, and promoting inclusive and ethical policies. The IF20’s key priorities aligned with the G20 Summit’s agenda, scheduled for November 22–23, 2025, in Gauteng, South Africa (Social Science Research Council).
A significant highlight of the Forum was the ACWAY G20 Interfaith Youth Forum 2025, held on August 10. This youth-focused event brought together young leaders from various faith traditions to discuss their roles in promoting peace, justice, and sustainable development. The youth forum underscored the importance of intergenerational dialogue and the active participation of young people in shaping a more inclusive future (ACWAY).
In a notable humanitarian initiative, participants of the IF20 gathered on August 12 to pack 32,400 nutritious meals for those in need. This collective action demonstrated the commitment of religious communities to serve the hungry and to end hunger, reflecting the moral imperatives emphasised during the Forum (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).
The IF20 Forum also featured a Closing Plenary session, where participants discussed the conclusions and paths forward for faith-based organisations and governments to collaborate more effectively in addressing global challenges. The session highlighted the need for strengthened peacemaking efforts and the importance of government and religious organisations working together to improve lives (G20 Interfaith Forum).
Overall, the 2025 G20 Interfaith Forum in Cape Town served as a pivotal platform for fostering dialogue among diverse religious and cultural communities, reinforcing the collective responsibility to act in solidarity for the common good.
Sources & Accreditation:
- G20 Interfaith Forum, “G20 Interfaith Forum South Africa” — https://www.g20interfaith.org/g20-interfaith-forum-south-africa/
- Social Science Research Council, “8/10-14/25 – 2025 G20 Interfaith Annual Forum | Cape Town, South Africa” — https://intersections.ssrc.org/?p=4689&post_type=ramp_news_item
- ACWAY, “G20 Youth Interfaith Forum 2025” — https://acway.org/g20-youth-interfaith-forum-2025/
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “What Church Leaders Taught at the G20 Interfaith Forum in South Africa” — https://news-africa.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/g20-interfaith-forum-south-africa-latter-day-saints
