South Africa G20 to France G7: Debt and Development Finance

Geopolitical conflict and geoeconomic competition are escalating, challenging the importance of global cooperation. New forms of collaboration and emerging dynamics are taking shape in areas where multilateral approaches previously prevailed. Whether on trade, climate change, or finance, the role of the "Gs" is rapidly evolving. Multilateralism and economic diplomacy have never been more essential, yet remain scarce. The G7 and G20 have played a key role in development finance and debt issues in developing countries, but can they sustain their relevance?

Just weeks before the final 2025 G20 Finance meeting and the G20 Leaders’ Summit under the South African presidency, what can the G20 achieve, particularly regarding debt and development? What progress has been made? What challenges must be overcome for effective collaboration? In 2026, France will assume the G7 presidency, enabling it to set priorities in the Finance domain and beyond. How can it best build on the successes of the South African G20 and address other pressing issues?