The Deputy Minister of Science and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, is attending the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) in Manaus, Brazil, from 16 to 19 September 2024.

Brazil is the 2024 President of the G20 under the theme, "Building a just world and a sustainable planet". 

The theme for the working group is "Open innovation for a just and sustainable development".  The theme covers several priorities, including strengthening international north-south cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI); the decarbonisation of the economy, including energy transitions and the bioeconomy; the right to, access to and information about health; a sustainable Amazon; and inclusion, diversity and combating inequalities in STI.  All these topics were discussed in a series of meetings both in person and online since February 2024.

This week's meeting will culminate in a joint declaration signed by the G20 research and innovation ministers.  South Africa is engaged in finalising the declaration, which will incorporate proposals from the meetings conducted since the beginning of the year.

South Africa will take over the Presidency of the G20 from Brazil in 2025.  Participation in these meetings in Brazil is an opportunity for the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to note the issues that may still need to be addressed during South Africa's presidency.

In 2025, the DSI will lead the STI track including hosting the RIWG meetings and leading the formulation of the research ministers' declaration.  In addition, working with its entities, the DSI will coordinate science-related engagement groups such as Startup20, Space20, Science20, Oceans20, the G20 Bioeconomy Initiative, G20 Chief Science Advisers' Roundtable, and Research and Development20.

Issued by the Department of Science and Innovation.

For more information, please contact Pontsho Mantlhakga at 066 185 1501 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..