G20 Leaders receive a vibrant ubuntu welcome with traditional song and dance in South Africa
French President Emmanuel Macron (C) applauds as he looks at a dance group perform while walking next to South African Minister of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Velenkosini Hlabisa (CL) upon Macron's arrival at the OR Tambo International airport in Ekurhuleni on November 21, 2025 ahead of the G20 leaders' Summit.
Image: Ludovic MARIN / AFP
Leaders of the Group of 20 major economies arrived in South Africa to a vibrant display of local culture, as performers welcomed delegates with traditional song and dance ahead of the Summit, which took place this weekend.
The energetic receptions took place at OR Tambo International and the Air Force Base Waterkloof after the leaders' planes touched down.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Nov. 20, 2025, to attend the 20th Group of 20 (G20) Summit.
Image: Xinhua/Rao Aimin
The summit is underway at the main venue in Johannesburg, where security is tight and international media are gathering in large numbers. The warm welcome set the tone for this year’s summit, which will focus on global economic stability, sustainable development, and strengthening cooperation between advanced and emerging economies.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C-L) is welcomed by Minister in the South African Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (C-R) upon his arrival at the Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria, on November 21, 2025, ahead of the G20 leaders' Summit.
Image: Kim LUDBROOK / POOL / AFP
Delegations are expected to hold a series of high-level meetings over the coming days, with climate finance and trade relations high on the agenda.
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer disembarks the plane as he arrives at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni on November 21, 2025, ahead of the G20 leaders' Summit.
Image: HENRY NICHOLLS / POOL / AFP
South Africa, hosting the summit for the first time in over a decade, aims to spotlight the priorities of the Global South and encourage more inclusive growth across developing nations.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (C) and South Africa's Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela (C-R) react as they watch the Umzekelo cultural group perform upon his arrival at the OR Tambo International airport in Ekurhuleni on November 21, 2025, ahead of the G20 leaders' Summit.
Image: Marco Longari / POOL / AFP
Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) and his wife Le Thi Bich Tran (R) wave upon their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni on November 21, 2025, ahead of the G20 leaders' Summit.
Image: Marco Longari / POOL / AFP
Organisers said the cultural reception was meant to showcase the country’s spirit of unity and hospitality as leaders prepare for intensive negotiations.