FAQs
1) What is Values20 (V20)?
The V20, or Values 20, is an official engagement group to the G20 that advocates for values-based, human-centered policy. It brings together global experts, youth leaders, and civil society voices to highlight how values like dignity, equity, Ubuntu, and ethical governance can shape a more sustainable, just, and inclusive world. In 2025, under the South African G20 Presidency, our theme is “Living Values” — an invitation to not only articulate values but to practice them courageously and consistently in policy and daily life.
2) Why does the V20 matter in the G20 space?
While the G20 focuses on economic coordination, the V20 emphasizes ethical alignment and societal impact. We remind policymakers that values drive behaviour, and thus must be central to any policy that seeks to be sustainable and inclusive. Our contributions help G20 leaders connect their economic strategies to people-first outcomes, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
3) What are the core values behind V20’s South African campaign?
The V20 South Africa campaign is built on five foundational values: Ubuntu (shared humanity), Dignity, Equity, Ethical Governance, Ownership & Agency. These values guide our advocacy, partnerships, and recommendations to the G20 and are embedded in all of our storytelling, events, and digital engagement.
4) What kind of activities will be involved in V20 South Africa?
The V20 campaign includes a variety of values-driven activities designed to inspire, engage, and influence. These include:
– Community dialogues and civic conversations around values like dignity, equity, and Ubuntu.
– Youth engagement programs, including storytelling games like Choices and Kunjani, and our Citizen Reporter initiative where young people share values-based content.
– Public awareness campaigns on social media to highlight values in action, using reels, podcasts, and infographics.
– Workshops and forums that inform policy recommendations for the G20, grounded in the voices of real communities.
– Research and advocacy efforts, culminating in the creation of a national Values Charter and submission of policy briefs aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
These activities all aim to turn values into action and ensure that policy reflects the lived experiences and ethical aspirations of people on the ground.
5) What does “Living Values” mean in this campaign?
“Living Values” is more than a theme — it’s a challenge to embody the values we speak about. It’s about holding leaders accountable but also encouraging individuals, institutions, and communities to practice values consistently, visibly, and with courage. From local dialogues to global policy briefs, every V20 activity is an attempt to turn values into tangible action.
6) What does the V20 campaign aim to achieve?
We aim to:
– Influence G20 policy with values-based recommendations.
– Engage youth and local communities in civic dialogue.
– Foster solidarity across regions and cultures.
– Support ethical leadership through research, advocacy, and storytelling.
– Create a Values Charter for South Africa and potentially beyond, anchoring long-term behavioural change.
7) How is V20 South Africa using social media and storytelling?
Our media campaign isn’t just about visibility — it’s about mobilizing meaningfully. We use digital platforms to:
– Share values-based content that sparks conversation.
– Amplify local voices, especially youth and grassroots leaders.
– Promote research-backed policy briefs through accessible media.
– Launch storytelling campaigns like the Citizen Reporter strategy, where people across South Africa submit content showing values in action.
8) Who are the partners for 2025 and who’s involved in the campaign?
V20 South Africa works with a wide coalition of values-aligned partners, including:
– Civil society organizations (e.g., Constitution Hill, Mail & Guardian 200)
– Youth ambassadors, academics, and research institutions
– Local influencers, designers, and civic groups
We also engage the broader public via social media, events, and campus dialogues to democratize participation in the values conversation.
9) How do we know if the campaign is making a difference?
We track success through a mix of policy uptake, engagement analytics, and human impact metrics:
– Are values being referenced in G20 discussions?
– Are we reaching and inspiring youth to act?
– Are communities adopting these principles?
We also use tools like an Ethics Sentiment Index, Barometer of Trust, and SDG Alignment Score to evaluate our reach and relevance.
10) What makes V20 different from other G20 engagement groups like Youth20 (Y20) or Civil20 (C20)?
The V20 is unique because it focuses on the “why” behind policy. While Y20 focuses on youth and C20 on civil society, V20 ensures that all policy conversations are rooted in a shared ethical foundation. We are the connective tissue — helping translate data into action, and action into values-
aligned systems change.
11) How can I get involved with the V20?
There are many ways to participate:
– Join the conversation on social media using #LivingValues or #V20SA2025
– Become a Citizen Reporter and submit values-based content
– Attend V20 events, either online or in your community
– Apply to be a youth ambassador or volunteer for local outreach
12) How can I learn more?
You can find more information about the V20 project on our website – visit www.values20.org to stay updated and find engagement opportunities. Additionally, you can follow us on our social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (X), Facebook, and YouTube.