South Africa’s G20 Presidency to Focus on Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability
South Africa has made history by assuming the G20 Presidency for the first time, with President Cyril Ramaphosa committing to build on Brazil’s achievements under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. During the closing and handover ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Ramaphosa unveiled South Africa’s vision for a transformative and inclusive G20 Presidency.
Building on Brazil’s Success
President Ramaphosa began by applauding Brazil’s successful G20 Presidency and its innovative inclusion of civil society through the first-ever G20 Social Summit. Highlighting the importance of grassroots participation, Ramaphosa emphasized South Africa’s commitment to maintaining this platform.
“South Africa firmly believes that civil society serves as a bridge between G20 leaders and the people who have the greatest interest in their deliberations,” he remarked, noting the role civil society has played in shaping South Africa’s history.
Brazil’s ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet’ theme resonated deeply with South Africa, setting a solid foundation for next year’s efforts.
South Africa’s Presidency Theme: Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability
Ramaphosa unveiled South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.’ He emphasized that this theme aligns with the urgent global need to tackle inequality, accelerate sustainable development, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
In his address, Ramaphosa highlighted the following high-level priorities for the presidency:
- Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment, and Inequality: Focusing on closing the economic gaps within and among nations.
- Food Security: Ensuring no one is left behind amid growing global food crises.
- Artificial Intelligence and Innovation for Sustainable Development: Leveraging technology to advance global prosperity and sustainability.
African and Global South Priorities
For the first time, an African nation will lead the G20. Ramaphosa expressed a strong commitment to elevating African development priorities, including predictable climate financing, capacity building, and addressing crippling debt faced by many nations on the continent and in the Global South.
“We will use this moment to bring the development priorities of the African Continent and the Global South more firmly onto the agenda of the G20,” Ramaphosa stated.
Global Solidarity in Focus
Ramaphosa underscored the importance of solidarity in addressing global challenges, from conflict zones like Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine to pressing public health emergencies, including worsening m-pox outbreaks in Africa. He called for unified international action to combat inequality, improve climate financing, and provide debt relief to developing nations.
A Year of Collaboration and Innovation
South Africa will host approximately 130 G20 meetings across the country, showcasing its commitment to fostering global collaboration. Ramaphosa extended a warm invitation to G20 members and partners to participate in shaping the agenda for a more equitable world.
As the presidency begins, South Africa aims to build a legacy of solidarity, equality, and sustainability that will benefit not just the continent but the entire global community.
Also read: President Cyril Ramaphosa Celebrates 72nd Birthday in Rio Ahead of G20 Summit
