Johannesburg, Nov 23 – South Korean President Lee Jae‑Myung announced on Sunday that Seoul will host the G20 summit in 2028. He said Korea will take on this role with a “profound sense of responsibility” and aims to strengthen the forum’s place in global economic collaboration.
Lee made the statement during the G20’s third session in Johannesburg. South Korea has already been confirmed to hold the presidency in 2026 after the United States, and in 2027 after Britain, according to Yonhap.
“We will do our utmost to ensure that the G20 further consolidates its role as the premier forum for international economic cooperation,” Lee said.
Taking on the 2028 summit would add another landmark to Lee’s five‑year term, which ends in 2030. It follows South Korea’s recent chairmanship of the U.N. Security Council and the APEC summit earlier this year.
Under the theme “A Fair and Just Future for All,” the president highlighted the importance of building a stable, mutually beneficial supply chain for critical minerals—especially as U.S.–China tensions over rare earths grow.
“We must establish a stable and mutually beneficial supply chain for critical minerals, where mineral‑rich and mineral‑importing countries share the benefits,” he added.
He welcomed the G20’s adoption of the Critical Minerals Framework, noted Seoul’s leadership of the Minerals Security Partnership, and mentioned the launch of the Korea‑Africa Critical Minerals Cooperation Initiative to boost global coordination.
“The Republic of Korea will continue to support international efforts to build mutually beneficial and resilient supply chains,” he said, using the official name of his country.
In the realm of artificial intelligence, Lee urged the creation of global rules that broaden and equalize access to AI technologies. “The advancement of AI must provide fair opportunities for all nations and all peoples,” he said, promising to work with the international community to further South Korea’s vision of inclusive AI.
As the current APEC chair, he led the adoption of an AI initiative and pledged to extend its influence beyond the Asia‑Pacific region worldwide. He also introduced programs designed to strengthen digital skills for women and youth in Africa.
The presidential office noted that Lee’s participation in the G20 expands his “pragmatic” diplomacy—focused on national interests—to the Global South, a term that generally covers developing economies in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
During the first two sessions on Saturday, Lee committed to promoting inclusive economic growth, revitalizing the World Trade Organization, and tackling climate change and the global food crisis.
“Considering this year’s gathering marks the first G20 summit held in Africa, President Lee demonstrated his commitment to solidarity and cooperation with Africa,” said third deputy national security adviser Oh Hyun‑joo during a Johannesburg briefing. “He also stressed the need to revive the World Trade Organization’s multilateral trade system.”
Later that day, Lee will meet Korean expatriates in South Africa before heading to Turkey for the final stop on his four‑nation Middle East and Africa tour, which included visits to the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.
In Ankara, he is scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Discussions will cover defense and nuclear energy among other topics.
—LatestNewsX na/
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