By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola says South Africa will use its presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) in 2025 to advocate for the development of Africa and the Global South including the reform of multilateral institutions and by fostering deeper global economic collaboration.
South Africa is expected to take over Chair of the G20 from December 1 this year, from Brazil.
Lamola announced that South Africa’s theme will focus on solidarity, equality and sustainable development.
“This theme speaks to the developmental priorities of the Global South, particularly, the African continent, which is now fully represented with the admission of the African Union (AU) in the G20,” he told delegates during the Troika high-level address at the United Nations (UN).
The G20 (or the Group 20) comprises 19 States, plus the European Union and the AU as of this year – bringing together the world’s major and systemically important economies.
The G20 operates a Troika system of hosting, where the Troika consists of the past, present, and next Presidencies.
According to the Minister, South Africa’s overarching theme will also zoom in on the country’s priorities. These include accelerating efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of Agenda 2063 of the AU and addressing the critical issue of debt vulnerability of many countries of the global South.
The country will also focus on creating consensus around reform of the International Financial Architecture (IFA) and the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).
“This is critical to ensure that they become fit for purpose to adequately address sustainable development and transboundary challenges, “Lamola explained.
In addition, the emphasis will also be on combating climate change, which has devastating consequences for food security in developing countries.
South Africa also hopes to address issues of predatory mining by some countries and corporations, in the quest for Africa’s raw materials and critical minerals.
“South Africa will take forward the outcomes of the report of the UN Secretary’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, “Lamola said, adding that strengthening the Multilateral Trading System was also key.
The other key issues the nation will advance include industrialisation, employment and inequality, food security, the blue economy and artificial intelligence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said, SA would put issues such as climate change, economic inequality and sustainable development on the agenda.
Ramaphosa also commended the excellent way Brazil has been steering the work of the G20 during its Presidency.