By 
During the launch of South Africa’s G20 Presidency in Cape Town on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa told the country that South Africa has a mammoth task ahead as the global environment is getting worse.
The President point out that South Africa has official assumed the G20 Presidency office from 1 December 2024, taking over Brazil. He said the world is changing and for the worse, in order to help member countries to cope with the global crisis, South Africa will have to work hand in clove with fellow member states.
The G20 group is one of the largest economic blocs in the world composed of developing and developed economies. The group boasts about 85 percent of global GDP and 75 percent of international trade; thus making it the most influential group across the globe.
Being President of the G20 therefore puts South Africa on the pinnacle of global influence and is an opportune moment to advance the priorities of Africa.
However, Ramaphosa said a mountain stands in front of him, that of climate change which is getting worse and is negatively affecting economies.
“South Africa’s G20 Presidency takes place at a moment in which the world is facing severe challenges. The climate change crisis is worsening. Across the world, billions of people are affected by underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, hunger and unemployment.
The outlook for global economic growth remains subdued, and many economies carry the burden of unsustainable levels of debt. Geopolitical instability, conflict and war are causing further hardship and suffering. This is all happening at a time of great technological change, which presents both opportunities and risks,” said President Ramaphosa.
South Africa is known for being a stickler for human right and equality; in typical fashion, President Ramaphosa said South Africa will pursue an agenda that will bring about economic inclusion and equality across the G20 countries and the world.
“We all seek to achieve more rapid, inclusive and economic growth. We all seek a more just and equal world, and a world in which poverty and hunger are eradicated. We all seek to avert the worst effects of climate change and to preserve our planet for future generations. The G20 provides us with a platform to pursue these collective goals.
South Africa has adopted the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’ for its G20 Presidency. Through solidarity, we can create an inclusive future that advances the interests of people at the greatest risk of being left behind. The disparities in wealth and development within and between countries is unjust and unsustainable.
By promoting equality, we strive to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals and nations. We aim to break down divisions of economic status, gender, race, geography or any other characteristic. Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” said the President.
