South Africa’s G20 Presidency will be centred more on the interests of the Global South agenda, especially Africa, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola.
South Africa will be hosting of the G20 Summit in 2025, and is expected to take over Chair of the G20 from December 1 this year, from Brazil.
Lamola announced that South Africa’s theme will focus on solidarity, equality and sustainable development.
“This theme speaks to the developmental priorities of the Global South, particularly, the African continent, which is now fully represented with the admission of the African Union (AU) in the G20,” he told delegates during the Troika high-level address at the United Nations (UN) on Wednesday.
The G20 operates a Troika system of hosting, where the Troika consists of the past, present, and next Presidencies. Brazil’s Presidency is also in a Global South Troika – India-Brazil-South Africa.
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Lamola stressed that South Africa will ensure the G20 provides strategic direction towards establishing a “more equitable, representative and fit-for-purpose international order”.
According to the Minister, the theme will also confirm South Africa’s intention to build on the efforts and successes of the G20 Presidencies of Indonesia, India and Brazil.
He also explained that South Africa aims to focus on creating consensus around reform of the International Financial Architecture (IFA) and the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).
“This is critical to ensure that they become fit for purpose to adequately address sustainable development and transboundary challenges.”
Furthermore, the Minister took the time to commend Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s call for the reinvigoration of multilateralism, and the reform of global governance institutions.
“We further thank Brazil for its innovative leadership in calling for this G20 meeting and inviting all UN Members.
“This meeting today and its call to action further demonstrates the collective global solidarity in addressing current and future global challenges. South Africa will carry forward the momentum laid by Brazil on the reform of the multilateral institutions,” Lamola said.
