President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for action “grounded in hope, unity, and progressive change”.
Addressing the Global Progressive Mobilisation Plenary during a working visit to Spain on Saturday, the President highlighted the current global situation, which is increasingly defined by aggression, war, conflict and destruction.
Institutions of global governance, he said, are being undermined or maliciously repurposed.
“The laws and norms that have long defined relations between nations are wilfully violated. The principles of solidarity, cooperation and friendship are being challenged by the resurgence of narrow nationalism, prejudice and intolerance,” President Ramaphosa said in Barcelona.
He linked the resurgence in unlawful wars of aggression and genocide in places like Palestine to enduring global inequalities rooted in historical systems of colonialism and imperialism. These ideologies of superiority, he argued, continue to treat the peoples of Africa, Asia and Latin America as second class global citizens.
Beyond geopolitical tensions, President Ramaphosa highlighted the deepening climate crisis, growing inequality within and between countries, widespread poverty due to no work and skills, and many societies becoming more fragmented and isolated.
He warned that political discourse is being reshaped by algorithms that fuel extremism and hate.
“These are not separate crises, they are connected. They reflect a world that has yet to overcome the severe imbalances of power, opportunity and material well-being that have for so long held back inclusive and sustainable human progress,” President Ramaphosa said.
Despite this assessment, the President said this was not a moment for doubt or despair, but a moment of unique opportunity. “This is a moment for action, for mobilisation, and renewal.”
He called for a “global progressive revival”, reinvigorated movement rooted in its values, clear in its purpose and united in its resolve.
“This moment of severe crisis is at the same time a moment of unique opportunity. It is an opportunity to galvanise the forces of progressive change to forge a new path of peace, democracy, and social justice. It is an opportunity for a new generation of progressives to emerge and to develop a vision of a better, more justice and more inclusive world.
“This is an opportunity to confront the forces of reaction, who have gained much ground by offering people easy answers to complex problems. They have exploited legitimate grievances — about jobs, about security, about identity — and they have redirected people’s fears and anger toward the most vulnerable,” the President said.
Building a global movement
President Ramaphosa emphasised the building of a global movement that enables countries to undertake just and inclusive transitions that drive social and economic development while protecting affected communities, workers and businesses.
“We must build a world of genuine multilateral cooperation, with global institutions that are representative, democratic, and capable of meeting the challenges of the present and the future. We must restore the United Nations to its position at the centre of international relations.
“We must advance peace through dialogue and diplomacy, through the consistent application of international law and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.
“We must address the debt burden that holds back many developing economies [and] reform the financial architecture and close the financing gap for development,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
