The first-ever Group of 20 summit on African soil is set to begin Saturday in South Africa, with leaders and senior officials from advanced and emerging economies meeting to address challenges faced by the world’s poorest nations.

The summit will take place at an exhibition centre near Soweto, the township once home to Nelson Mandela, where host nation South Africa has set an ambitious agenda. Key priorities include support for countries recovering from climate-induced disasters, relief from foreign debt, transition to renewable energy, and the sustainable use of domestic mineral resources to reduce global inequality.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the focus on developing nations but remained cautious about outcomes. “We’ll see,” he said when asked if the G20 could implement meaningful reforms. “However, I believe South Africa has effectively highlighted these issues for discussion.”

The two-day summit will proceed without the participation of the United States, following an order from President Donald Trump to boycott the event. Trump has cited allegations that South Africa is pursuing racially discriminatory policies against its white minority, including Afrikaners.