India, Brazil and Indonesia laid foundation for G20 Summit in South Africa: Ramaphosa
“We learned a lot from what Indonesia, India and Brazil did. What emerged here was, in many ways, based on the foundations put in place by these three countries in the Global South,” Ramaphosa said.
“The G20 South Africa Leaders’ Declaration is more than words. It is a commitment to concrete action that will improve the lives of people around the world.
“Our agreement on a Declaration during this summit demonstrates the value of the G20 as a forum that can facilitate joint action on issues of common concern not only to leaders but also to the people of the world.
“Furthermore, it reaffirms our renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation and our recognition that our common goals outweigh our differences,” the President said.
Thanking G20 members for their participation, Ramaphosa said their high-level commitment was vital in reaffirming the G20 as the leading forum for international economic cooperation. “This year we have faced significant challenges and demonstrated our ability to come together even in the face of great challenges to pursue a better world,” he said. The President reaffirmed that the greatest opportunity for prosperity in the 21st century lies in Africa.
“We have sought to place Africa’s growth and development at the center of the G20 agenda. Seizing this opportunity will require a strong partnership between Africa and the G20, and indeed between Africa and the rest of the world,” Ramaphosa said. he said.
Reiterating some elements of the declaration, Ramaphosa said the G20 called for urgent action to end conflicts and wars around the world, achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, end poverty in all its forms, reduce inequality within and between countries, and combat climate change.
“The G20 has pledged to support low- and middle-income countries facing debt vulnerabilities,” he added.
Other resolutions Ramaphosa considered included mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, climate change action, energy security, affordability and universal access, and the importance of supporting developing economies in their transition to low carbon emissions.
“During this summit, we reaffirmed our support for the G20 Critical Minerals Framework, a collaborative plan to ensure critical mineral resources drive prosperity and sustainable development worldwide,” Ramaphosa said. he added.
He also highlighted the mandate given to the South African Presidency at the 2024 Rio de Janeiro Summit, which led to the G20@20 Review, which draws on the diverse perspectives of participating members and guest countries.
“We hope that the review’s recommendations will serve as a useful guide to ensure that the G20 remains fit for purpose in an ever-changing world,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the G20 must act boldly and act together to create an environment for inclusive growth, reduced inequality and sustainable development.
“We have laid the foundation of solidarity, now we must build the walls of justice and the roof of prosperity. Let’s move forward together, let’s show the world that we have the capacity to face and overcome the world’s challenges.
“Through partnerships across society and remembering our common humanity, we can create a safer, fairer and more prosperous world. Together we can ensure no one is left behind,” Ramaphosa concluded as he gavel to end the summit.
The gavel was to be handed over to the United States for the next annual Presidency, but President Donald Trump had previously announced that there would be no US participation in the summit.
The United States also tried to stop the Declaration from being adopted in his absence, and at the last minute requested the accreditation of a young team to accept the handover, but South Africa rejected this as a breach of protocol.
It will now be delivered to the offices of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on Monday. PTI
