The J20 Summit, a gathering of judicial leaders from G20 nations along with representatives from the African Union and the European Union, was held in Johannesburg from September 3 to 4, 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Organized as a judicial track complementing South Africa’s G20 presidency, the summit took place under the theme “Justice in a Time of Change: Independence, Innovation and Cooperation.”
The event brought together senior judicial leaders from G20 countries, as well as representatives of the African Union, European Union and UNESCO.
Key topics of discussion included judicial responses to climate change, combating cybercrime, and strategies for courts to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while minimizing risks to fundamental rights such as privacy.
On the first day, delegates from Brazil, Saudi Arabia and UNESCO led a panel discussion on “Balancing Artificial Intelligence Innovations with Fundamental Freedoms in Judicial Systems.” Another session, titled “Advancing Judicial Independence and Accountability: Preserving the Rule of Law and Reinforcing Judicial Security in an Evolving Global Landscape,” examined ways to safeguard judicial integrity in challenging times.
Delegates from Mozambique, Australia, France and Indonesia hosted a panel discussion on “Climate Change Justice Through Judicial Collaboration,” while another session addressed “Combating Cybercrime: Strengthening Cross-Border Judicial Cooperation.”
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya opened the summit and set the tone in her address, saying:
“In this age of uncertainty, the judiciary must stand, unwavering, as the bedrock upon which just societies are built. We are the guardians of the rule of law, the non-negotiable foundation for peace, prosperity, and human dignity for all.”
In his keynote address, the newly appointed Deputy Chief Justice, Dunstan Mlambo, underscored the importance of judicial independence in safeguarding rights and freedoms. He also reflected on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI within African judiciaries.
The 2025 J20 Summit Draft Resolutions were presented by President Mahube Molemela of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa.
Following the conclusion of the formal proceedings, a formal gala dinner was held and the following day some delegates toured the Constitution Hill precinct, where they visited the Constitutional Court and the former Women’s Jail, a historic site from the apartheid era.
