JOHANNESBURG - As part of its Group of 20 (G20) presidency, South Africa emphasized on Monday that strengthening governance and institutions is essential for development.

"In an increasingly complex and uncertain world, agile, transparent, and effective public institutions are indispensable," said Phindile Mkwanazi, acting principal of the country's National School of Government. "Developmental states that are responsive to citizens and committed to shared prosperity can help achieve sustainable development and lasting peace."

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Mkwanazi made the remarks at a Think 20 (T20) symposium themed "State Capacity and Institutional Transformation in Times of Complexity: Exploring State Capacity for Agile Public Institutions." The event was held in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, under the framework of South Africa's G20 presidency.

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She noted that developmental states are more committed to a "shared future" and prioritize citizens, in contrast to "narrow or hegemonic" approaches that put self-interest above the collective. She stressed that building strong state capacity is essential to advancing the G20's objectives.

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Mkwanazi underscored the importance of stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors, while also ensuring the greater inclusion of marginalized groups and rural women. She said the success of the G20 would depend on prioritizing state capacity to push sustainable development.

Established in 2012, the T20 is an official G20 engagement group that brings together global research institutes to provide policy advice on issues such as climate change, inequality, and sustainable development.