Ubuntu in Action: A Call for Global Solidarity at the G20 Interfaith Forum

The G20 Interfaith Forum held at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, from 11th to 14th August 2025 made a powerful call for global solidarity. Under the theme "Ubuntu in Action: Focus on Vulnerable Communities," the forum emphasized the interconnectedness of humanity and the moral imperative to address global challenges transcending national interests.

Featuring on the panel discussing religious leaders’ reflections on G20 leading issues and priority challenges, Dr. Gorden Simango, Director of the AACC Liaison Office to the African Union and Advocacy called on participants to tackle the insidious spread and root causes of conflict, hate, and hate speech.

"We must tame our tongues by choosing to use words that build bridges rather than walls,” he said.

He urged that Jesus’ call on his audience to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them in the sermon on the mount serves as a timeless guide for the virtues of empathy and compassion that lie at the heart of the Ubuntu philosophy.

Dr. Gorden challenged the forum to confront exploitative economic practices that perpetuate poverty and inequality and, advocate for food security, fair trade, debt relief, and equitable resource distribution. 

“Our option must be to stand with the poor and vulnerable. The world possesses enough resources to ensure everyone's well-being,” he expressed. 

Further, he emphasized that faith communities have a crucial role to play in challenging unjust economic structures and promoting ethical practices.

The forum also echoed the need for inclusion of women, youth and spiritual leaders in all G20 process and work streams. Recommendations from this forum will be presented to the G20 Johannesburg Summit of November 22-23, 2025.

In the photo: Dr. Gorden Simango (in the middle) contributing on the panel at the G20 interfaith forum on 11th August 2025.