Joint Statement on Climate and Energy Democracy: G20 Engagement Groups to G20 Members

Published: 9th September 2025

What first began as a conversation between several engagement group representatives at the 2025 F20 Climate Solutions Forum has grown into a unified statement to the 2025 South African G20 Presidency regarding Climate and Energy Democracy. Undersigned by W20, Y20, B20, U20, and F20, this joint communique addresses key barriers to climate finance access and centres economic and social inclusion.

South Africa’s Constitution, globally recognised as one of the most progressive in the world, grounds the country’s democracy in the principles of human dignity, equality, human rights, and the rule of law. Its Bill of Rights not only guarantees civil and political rights but also socio-economic and environmental rights, making South Africa one of the first nations to explicitly connect environmental protection with human rights and social justice. The G20 under South Africa can strengthen the nexus of democracy, inclusive development, and climate action, leveraging the African Union’s permanent membership.

This joint statement recognises that multi-stakeholder engagement at all levels is essential: cities, businesses, workers, youth, and marginalised groups must be empowered to participate. There are two key calls to action in this communique, namely:

Call to action 1: Promoting Opportunity and Inclusion in the Climate-Energy Nexus

Call to action 2: Reducing Capital Costs to Enable Equitable Transitions

To read the statement in full, download the file below.

Joint Statement on Climate and Energy Democracy: G20 Engagement Groups to G20 Members