President Cyril Ramaphosa told delegates attending the G20 Leaders' Summit that South Africa understands the responsibility of being entrusted with the Presidency of the G20.
“In the execution of its task as the President of the G20, South Africa has throughout the past year – through its stewardship of some 130 meetings in various parts of South Africa, in other countries on the African continent and beyond our shores – sought to undertake this task with care and diligence,” President Ramaphosa said.
In his opening remarks at the G20 Leaders' Summit, on Saturday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is deeply aware of the profound responsibility that membership of the community of nations places upon South Africa.
South Africa is hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit under the theme: 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability'.
“We have sought at all times to preserve the integrity and stature of the G20, a premier forum of international economic cooperation,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa told the delegates that the deliberations of the G20 have an impact on the lives of all members of the global community.
“From its initial focus on broad macroeconomic issues, the G20 is now engaged on matters such as trade, sustainable development, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, energy, environment and climate change, among others.
“As the G20 countries, we understand that progress on each and all of these issues is a necessary condition for strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.
“In pursuit of, and in conformity with, the founding mission of the G20, South Africa adopted the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’ for its G20 Presidency,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said through solidarity, the G20 can create an inclusive future that advances the interests of people around the world who are at the greatest risk of being left behind.
“This is important in an interconnected world, where the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations. By promoting equality, we strive to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals and nations.
“The disparities in wealth and development within and between countries is not only unjust and unsustainable. It is also one of the greatest impediments to sustainable growth,” the President said.
The President pointed out that it is essential that the G20 break down divisions of economic status, gender, race and geography.
“Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” the President said.
The President told the delegates that as a founding member of the G20, South Africa has sought to ensure that the development priorities of the Global South and the African continent find expression firmly and permanently on the agenda of the G20.
“This is important not only for the people of Africa and the Global South. It is vital for global stability and security, alleviating resource pressures, managing population movements and reducing the risk of conflict.
“We seek stability because it attracts investment, improves planning and reduces the risk of global economic shocks. And we prioritise inclusive and vibrant markets because they drive innovation and efficiency,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said thriving economies lift people out of poverty, encourage greater investment and trade, and generate the revenue needed to invest in public goods.
“It is therefore essential that we make greater and faster progress towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” he said, adding that the G20 must continue the reform of the international financial architecture, ensuring that institutions are strengthened, are more inclusive and are equipped to meet the challenges both of the present and the future.
South Africa is the first African country to host the G20 Summit. South Africa assumed the year-long G20 Presidency in December 2024, becoming the first African state to host the prestigious global forum.
Since taking over the reigns as the President of the G20, South Africa has hosted 130 preparatory meetings which were incident free and used the opportunity to showcase the diversity of our provinces and tourism destinations. – SAnews.gov.za
