President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged global leaders to foster inclusivity, cooperation, and reform as South Africa takes on the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) for the first time.
Speaking at the opening of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held at Nasrec in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa underscored the significance of hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil. The meeting, hosted by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, is aligned with South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”
“Africa hosts some of the world’s fastest-growing economies but also faces distinct challenges such as climate change impacts, development needs, and global trade dynamics. Hosting the Summit here highlights the importance of African perspectives on global issues, including sustainable development, the digital economy, and green energy transitions,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President emphasized the opportunity for enhanced collaboration between African nations and the international community. He noted pressing global issues such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, economic disparities, and food insecurity, stating that the world’s fragile stability was at risk.
“These interconnected challenges demand inclusive and coordinated responses. Yet, major powers, including within the G20, often lack consensus on addressing these critical global issues,” Ramaphosa noted, calling for greater unity among G20 members.
Highlighting that just five years remain until the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the international commitment to eradicating poverty and hunger, protecting the environment, promoting gender equality, and ensuring universal education, healthcare, decent work, and sustainable economic growth.
“Our dedication to these targets must remain steadfast. The world looks to the G20 for leadership on pressing global challenges. Just as early human cooperation ensured survival, modern challenges require collaboration, partnership, and solidarity,” Ramaphosa stressed.
He stated that South Africa’s G20 Presidency would focus on solidarity, equality, and sustainability, ensuring all voices and views are represented. “The G20 represents over two-thirds of the global population, so its decisions must reflect all members’ needs and aspirations,” he added.
Calls for UN and Global Financial Reforms
On the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, President Ramaphosa reiterated calls for reforming the UN Security Council, the global trading system, and the international financial architecture to ensure they are more representative, agile, and responsive.
“As the G20, adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism, and international law must guide our efforts,” he said.
Addressing ongoing global conflicts such as those in Ukraine, Sudan, the Sahel, and Gaza, Ramaphosa welcomed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing diplomacy as the most effective means of achieving lasting peace.
“The G20 must advocate diplomatic solutions. South Africa’s experience underscores that inclusive dialogue is crucial for sustainable peace,” he noted.
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