President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the historic G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg over the weekend a “success” that has placed Africa firmly at the heart of the leading intergovernmental forum's agenda.
The President addressed the nation through the weekly newsletter released on Monday.
“Over the past two days, our country hosted leaders from around the world for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.
“This is the first time that the G20 has been hosted on African soil. Recognising the importance of this milestone, we have placed Africa’s growth and development at the heart of the G20’s agenda,” he said.
The President noted that South Africa’s participation in the G20 is critical not only for cementing the country’s role in international affairs but also to “support our own growth and create jobs for South Africans”.
“We can only achieve these objectives in an environment of global stability, inclusive growth and a level playing field,” President Ramaphosa said.
During the summit, leaders reached consensus for a declaration.
Commitments were also made aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
“We secured a clear commitment from the international community to address the high levels of debt which divert spending by developing economies – including our own – on infrastructure, health and education.
“The G20 leaders agreed on the need for increased global investment for climate action. This will be crucial for South Africa as we undertake a just energy transition to a low carbon economy in a manner that protects workers, businesses and communities.
“We have secured international agreement on a new approach to critical minerals so that they become a source of prosperity and sustainable development in the countries that produce them.
“This supports our own ambition to use our extensive endowment of minerals to become a leading global player, while ensuring that beneficiation takes place in South Africa and creates jobs in mining areas,” President Ramaphosa said.
The People’s G20
At the beginning of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, government made it clear that inclusivity of all of society would be at the forefront of the presidency – a promise that was kept.
“This has been the People’s G20. It has given new prominence to engagement groups from across global society, bringing together sectors like business, labour, parliaments, scientists, think tanks, women, young people, start-ups, civil society, mayors and the media.
“We can be proud of what South Africa has achieved in hosting a successful G20 Presidency and guiding countries towards agreement on complex and important issues. This has been the historic effort to which all South Africans have contributed.
“We thank all the members of different social sectors who participated in the engagement groups and in other G20 activities throughout the year,” President Ramaphosa noted.
He also expressed gratitude to the government leaders, G20 Sherpas and “government officials who guided the deliberations with wisdom and purpose”.
“Above all, we thank each and every South African for contributing to this success, and for showing the world the strength of our values, the generosity of our people and the power of what we can achieve when we work together. Many of the foreign leaders and delegates who came to our country recognised what our Ubuntu spirit is all about.
“The success of the G20 Leader’s Summit, together with the improving performance of our economy and growing confidence in our reform programme, shows that South Africa is a country on the rise,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
