Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has officially opened the G20 Agriculture Working Group meeting in Durban, launching three days of high-level talks focused on global food systems and agricultural resilience.
The gathering takes place amid persistent geopolitical unrest, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East—conflicts that continue to strain international supply chains and economies. South Africa, like many nations, is still navigating the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic while also battling climate-driven disruptions to agricultural production.
The working group is expected to tackle a range of pressing issues, including the macroeconomic forces influencing food prices and the accessibility of both local and global food supplies.
Delegates will also explore investment and policy strategies aimed at broadening market access, promoting inclusivity, and reinforcing food and nutrition security across G20 nations.
The Durban meeting marks a critical juncture for global agricultural policy as nations seek to balance economic recovery with sustainable development in the face of compounding global crises.