The leaders, who gathered around the summit's overarching theme of"Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," met for a family photo on a special platform set up at Expo Centre Nasrec. Erdoğan was also present alongside other heads of state and government at the event, hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

At the summit ceremony, leaders were welcomed one by one, and Erdoğan was met with considerable interest upon entering the hall. He chatted briefly with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in the meeting hall. He then exchanged warm greetings with Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb.

Erdoğan then took his place on the platform with other leaders for a family photo. Next to Erdoğan was Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae.