The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Climate Change and Air Quality, Mr Maesela Kekana, has delivered closing remarks at the end of the First G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) virtual meeting on 28 March 2025.
In his closing remarks, DDG Kekana reflected on the deliberations that took place during the four-day meeting.
“On day one the discussions centred around the ECSWG Issue Note as a whole. General comments and reflections were presented in the recap report of day one. This was followed by focussed sessions from day two to four wherein each identified priority area was discussed in detail and where participants were provided with the opportunity to provide reflections on each area. These included the Biodiversity and Conservation priority area; Land Degradation, Desertification and Drought priority area; Chemicals and Waste Management priority area and the Oceans and Coast priority area,” DDG Kekana said.
He highlighted that today, the delegates discussed the Climate Change and Air Quality Management priority area as separate discussions. “Just looking at this brief synopsis of the discussions which we undertook during the last four days I am sure you would agree with me that the meeting has provided a significant input into the issue note, reflections on the priorities, as well as the expected deliverables”.
“South Africa has taken note of all your comments and proposals and will capture them in the report of the meeting in preparation for the next ECSWG meeting which is scheduled to take place in person in our beautiful and iconic Kruger National Park. It is therefore my honour to invite you to participate in this meeting which will take place from 14-18 July 2025,” Kekana said.
Proposals on the Summary and Way Forward:
- The First ECSWG meeting convened virtually (25 – 28 March 2025) – Presentation of the ECSWG Issue Note, priorities and proposed deliverables and received inputs and views from G20 member states. Written comments on the priorities were due by 5 April 2025.
- Engagements by the chair of ECWSG would be undertaken with the chairs of other relevant working groups (WGs) to enhance collaboration, synergies and avoid duplications as appropriate.
- During interim period between First ECSWG and Second ECSWG meeting: Ongoing ECWSG and stakeholder engagements and events including but not limited to – bilateral meetings with G20 member states; workshops; side-events; seminars; and conferences. A list of these would be provided in due course.
- Ongoing review, revision and finalisation of the Technical Papers would continue as guided by reflections in the meeting and written inputs. These would be shared well ahead of the Second ECSWG meeting.
- For the Second ECSWG Meeting at the Kruger National Park from 14-18 July 2025 – Technical Papers were to be presented and discussed.
- The Third ECSWG Meeting in Cape Town from 13 -15 October 2025 – Final versions of the technical papers and draft Outcome Document would be discussed.
- Ministerial Meeting in Cape Town from 16 – 17 October 2025 – Outcome Document and the other deliverables to be adopted.
“I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your engagement during the last four days and hope that we can continue in this spirit and on this trajectory. It has indeed been an honour to chair this meeting, and we have covered a lot of ground in our initial ECSWG meeting,” DDG Kekana added.
He also wished the Muslim colleagues Eid MUBARAK in the coming days.
The ECSWG virtual meeting was opened by DFFE Minister, Dr Dion George, on 25 March 2025. The G20 ECSWG meeting brought together leaders, policymakers, and experts from G20 Countries, invited countries as well as partners to advance discussions on crucial environment and climate sustainability priorities that shape our collective future.
For media enquiries please contact: Peter Mbelengwa: +27 82 611 8197 / pmbelengwa@dffe.gov.za
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT