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Tshwane Meeting: Science at the Heart of Global Challenges

On 23 September 2025, ministers from G20 countries and invited nations gathered in Tshwane for a technically focused yet strategically important meeting on global science policy. They discussed the role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in tackling worldwide challenges—from climate change to digital inequalities. At the center of these discussions was the EU, actively contributing to the work of the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG).

The European Commission did not just observe—it played a hands-on role in drafting and negotiating final documents, including the Tshwane Ministerial Declaration. Thanks to EU involvement, many of the G20 decisions reflect European values such as openness, inclusivity, and research ethics. Brussels also ensured alignment between the RIWG priorities and EU science policy, emphasizing open science and public trust in research.

Open Science as a Shield Against Misinformation

The EU’s input was particularly important regarding open innovation and fighting misinformation. The EU pushed for rules ensuring transparent sharing of scientific data, including biodiversity information, and mechanisms to build trust in science. Clear and accessible communication was highlighted, opposing opaque scientific jargon that can enable manipulation.

Commissioner Jekaterina Zacharieva, representing the EU in Tshwane, emphasized that “open science” is not just a concept—it’s a practical approach that directly impacts social and economic well-being. She pointed to concrete initiatives, such as sharing biodiversity data and supporting women in STEM fields, showing that the EU’s approach goes beyond academia, aiming for a more inclusive and responsible world.

Tshwane: A Symbol of Global Solidarity

One key outcome was the Tshwane G20 Package, developed with UNESCO and OECD support. The document includes G20 Recommendations to strengthen engagement in science, which, largely due to EU efforts, align with the Union’s long-term goals: promoting research transparency, boosting international cooperation, and countering misinformation.

The package also addresses open innovation, disaster risk reduction, and gender equality in science. For the first time, ethical collaboration—free from political and commercial pressure—was explicitly highlighted. While ambitious, these commitments could lead to tangible changes in international project funding and research publication practices.

Sustainable Development and Integration: Shared Commitments

The RIWG chairpersons’ report presented in Tshwane stressed that open science and innovation are not just technological tools—they are key to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants committed to facilitating cross-border collaboration, increasing investment in research infrastructure, and improving knowledge sharing.

Protecting ecosystems was another priority. G20 members pledged support for initiatives like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and open species catalogues, helping to improve understanding of natural processes. Gender equality was also emphasized, with ministers advocating for safe and inclusive workplaces for women in research and innovation.

Science in a Geopolitically Uncertain World

The Tshwane meeting did not happen in isolation. The world faces rising technological competition, geopolitical tensions, and the impacts of climate change. In this context, science becomes both a collaboration platform and a security strategy.

South Africa, holding the G20 presidency since December 2024, championed the motto “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainable Development.” As the first African country to lead the group, it symbolically underscored the need to include the Global South’s perspective in global research governance. By engaging, the EU not only defends its interests but also supports a more democratic model for knowledge management.

However, a key question remains: how long can the EU maintain its position as a moral leader when tensions within the Union persist over funding for nuclear energy, AI, or biotechnology research? Open science requires not only collaboration but also the courage to tackle controversial topics—a challenge for both policymakers and researchers.

Towards an Inclusive Future for Science

The G20 meeting in Tshwane confirmed that science has become a major instrument of global policy. Using its soft power and regulatory expertise, the EU is guiding this debate. Its effectiveness will depend on translating principles of openness and ethics into practice—through research funding, international partnerships, and daily scientific work.

Sustainable and inclusive science is not just a slogan—it’s a political commitment. Europe, if it wants to remain a leader, must continually prove that science can serve not only technological progress but the common good.

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