We affirm the urgent need to ensure an equitable participation of women and youth in development, both as beneficiaries and as architects of change. South Africa’s hosting of the 2025 G20 and P20 platforms, presents a unique opportunity to champion women and youth employment strategies, responsive budgeting and inclusive governance. The ACDP asserts that we must confront the reality that many young South Africans, especially women, face intersecting barriers of poverty, violence, and exclusion. We urge the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to increase funding for mainstreaming women, but caution that without measurable outcomes and accountability, these measures risk becoming symbolic. The ACDP affirms that employment and promotion must be based on merit; yet we recognise that unlocking the full potential of women and youth requires a whole-of-government approach.