Unisa Hosts World Renowned Economist Jeffrey Sachs for 2025 Founders’ Lecture Ahead of G20 Summit

The University of South Africa will host globally acclaimed economist Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs for its 2025 Founders’ Lecture on 20 November, followed by a gala dinner at the ZK Matthews Great Hall on the Muckleneuk Campus.

The lecture, titled ''Solidarity, Social Justice and Reclaiming Futures: The Roles of Universities in Contested Geopolitics, comes just days before South Africa hosts the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on 22 and 23 November, giving the event significant national and international relevance.

The lecture will be hosted by Unisa’s Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula*, who highlighted the importance of universities contributing to debates that shape the future of society. Since its inception in 2004, the Founders’ Lecture has grown into one of Unisa’s most prestigious intellectual events, attracting scholars, policymakers, business leaders, and thinkers from across Africa and the world.

Professor Sachs, President of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and longtime advisor to UN Secretaries General on the Sustainable Development Goals, will address how universities can promote equity, research informed policy, and global cooperation in times of contested geopolitics.

His lecture will highlight the central role of academic institutions in shaping policies that advance social justice, economic stability, and sustainable development, particularly at a time when the global economic landscape is rapidly changing.

The timing of the lecture coincides with South Africa’s first G20 presidency, which focuses on the theme ''Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability''.

The summit will bring leaders from the world’s largest economies to discuss global economic coordination, climate action, inclusive growth, and debt sustainability. Professor Sachs’ focus on solidarity and social justice mirrors these priorities, providing a bridge between academic insight and the high level discussions that will take place at the G20.

South Africa continues to face significant economic challenges. Growth has been slow in recent years, averaging 0.7 percent, while unemployment remains above 30 percent, with youth unemployment significantly higher.

Public debt is projected to reach 77 percent of GDP, constraining the government’s capacity to fund social services and invest in critical infrastructure. Ongoing electricity shortages and transport inefficiencies have further limited productivity and investment, making inclusive growth a pressing national priority.

By hosting Professor Sachs just days before the G20 Summit, Unisa and Professor LenkaBula are positioning the university as a key intellectual contributor to the national and international conversation on sustainable economic development. The lecture will begin at 18:30, with arrivals from 18:00, and business formal attire is