The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene a Retreat of Ministers of Foreign Affairs from 22–24 May 2026 at Skukuza, Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, South Africa. This high-level gathering will provide a strategic platform for Ministers to assess the evolving global geopolitical landscape and to position the region to respond proactively to emerging challenges and opportunities.
Honourable Mr. Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, will officially open the Retreat in his capacity as Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers.
The international system is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by heightened competition among major powers, rapid technological advances, and shifting economic dynamics. While these developments have introduced new uncertainties, they also present opportunities for regions such as SADC to strengthen resilience, deepen integration, and amplify their collective influence in global affairs. Against this backdrop, the Retreat will enable Ministers to reflect on the implications of these changes and to chart a unified course that safeguards stability while advancing regional development.
