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Boys’ College Students Represent South Africa at G20 Social Summit

| Boys’ College, Campus |  Author: By Gretchen Maruggi, Director of Round Square

Five of our Boys’ College students had the rare opportunity to participate in the G20 Social Summit as part of the C20 (Children’s 20) engagement groups, held from 18 to 20 November, attended by over 5000 delegates. The C20 brings together young delegates from around the world to discuss global issues affecting children, adolescents, and vulnerable communities.

The delegation was hosted at the Birchwood Hotel and O.R Tambo Conference Centre for the duration of the summit. Proceedings opened with a side event focusing on the global health crisis facing women, newborns, children, and adolescents. The session featured leading experts and set the tone for the summit’s emphasis on youth-driven dialogue. This was followed by an opening ceremony characterised by musical performances, keynote speeches, and appearances by dignitaries, highlighting the importance of the young delegates’ participation. The day concluded with presentations on leadership and child protection.

Day two began with a candid and impactful discussion on child sexual abuse and reproductive health, led by representatives from the African Union, a Brazilian charity leader, and a member of the G20. Delegates then took part in a highly interactive session presented by SAT Regional, exploring adolescent agency in society and strategies to strengthen the voices of young Africans. Our students were noted for their active engagement throughout the discussions.

The final day of the summit marked a significant honour for the school: members of the St Stithians delegation were selected as Custodians of the Future - nineteen children of South Africa read out and handed over the Declaration of the G20 Social Summit to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The closing ceremony featured addresses from a European Union official, the President of Oxfam, Brazil’s Minister of Human Rights, and President Cyril Ramaphosa.

With 20 November being World Children’s Day, President Ramaphosa commemorated the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasising the need to eliminate child poverty and hunger, protect children, and advance young people’s access to opportunities.

Following the ceremony, our students participated in media interviews, reflecting on their experiences and the insights gained over the three days.

The summit proved to be a remarkable platform for our Boys’ College, allowing our students to not only represent their school but to contribute to the voices of children from around the world.

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