By Gabi Khumalo
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for enhanced global cooperation and urgent reform of international governance structures amid the “dramatic reshaping of global dynamics-politically, economically, technologically, and environmentally”.
Speaking during the opening of the 17th BRICS Summit, currently underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, President Ramaphosa underscored the critical need for multilateral collaboration to address escalating global tensions and institutional inefficiencies.
“With this change comes both opportunity and uncertainty. As conflicts persist, as new threats emerge and as old institutions falter, the pursuit of global peace and security has never been more urgent or more complex,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa participated in the first session of the BRICS Summit, where he delivered an intervention under the theme: “Peace & Security, Reform of Global Governance”.
The President underscored the need to reform the United Nations Security Council to become more democratic, regionally representative, and more accountable.
He noted that the United Nations, in particular the Security Council which is the preeminent instrument for the maintenance of international peace and security, has too often failed to meet the challenges of today.
“In responding to these challenges – ranging from humanitarian crises to open acts of aggression – the Security Council has become too rigid, too narrow and too disconnected from today’s multipolar realities.
“Reform is a necessity. The Security Council must be made more democratic, more regionally representative and more accountable,” the President said.
Strengthening regional peace mechanisms
To further enable sustainable peace, the President emphasised the need for strong regional peace mechanisms.
“We must give them the resources and authority they need to lead efforts in dialogue, mediation and de-escalation. Localised responses, grounded in cultural and geopolitical understanding, are the frontline of peacebuilding.
“The linkages between peace, security and development require a more comprehensive approach to conflict prevention and peacebuilding; an approach that addresses the underlying causes of conflict,” he said.
Highlighting the role of BRICS in this evolving landscape, President Ramaphosa said BRICS is increasingly shaping global debates on development, multipolar governance and security matters.
With a broad geographical footprint and growing influence, BRICS is uniquely positioned to advocate for reform in global governance structures.
He called on BRICS to strengthen its voice in calling for a global framework that is inclusive, representative and anchored in the principles of sovereignty, equality and peaceful coexistence.
“BRICS must continue to strengthen its cooperation on key security issues, including counterterrorism, cyber security and transnational crime,” the President said.
Global digital governance framework
President Ramaphosa commended BRICS’ focus on a global digital governance framework that is inclusive, transparent and rooted in the principles of the United Nations.
He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the full implementation of the BRICS Counter Terrorism Strategy.
The country remains steadfast in its support for the United Nations’ central role in global counter terrorism efforts.
Call for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions
President Ramaphosa raised South Africa’s concerns at the deteriorating peace and security situation in the Middle East.
The President condemned the recent attacks by Israel and the United States on the Islamic Republic of Iran, warning that the attacks raise serious concerns of international law, including the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the protection of civilians.
He said South Africa understands the power of peaceful resolution through dialogue, given the country’s own experience.
“We must continue to advocate for the urgent intensification of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure sustainable and lasting peace. We remain deeply concerned by the heavy human toll of conflicts in Russia and Ukraine, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Gaza, among others.
“We must find just and lasting solutions to these devasting conflicts. Achieving and maintaining peace and security requires the collective will of the community of nations,” President Ramaphosa said.
Summit deliberations
During the BRICS Summit session, Heads of State and Government are expected to deliberate on issues pertaining to global governance reform, peace and security, the ongoing humanitarian impact of Israeli military action in Gaza and in conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and advocating for the sustainable resolution of conflicts through diplomacy, inclusive dialogue and a commitment to the United Nations Charter.
The summit will also look into synergies between BRICS, COP30 and G20 outcomes, including in global governance of artificial intelligence and prioritising climate finance that is just, accessible and transformational. – SAnews.gov.za
