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Cape Town, South Africa — President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched South Africa’s presidency of the G20, pledging to focus on development and address global challenges as the first African nation to lead the bloc.
Assuming the presidency on December 1 from Brazil, South Africa adopted the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” The country aims to bring Africa’s priorities to the forefront of the G20 agenda while addressing issues affecting the Global South.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Ramaphosa outlined the severe challenges the world is facing, including the worsening climate crisis, widespread poverty, hunger, unemployment, and underdevelopment. He also pointed to slow global economic growth, rising debt levels, and geopolitical instability as factors exacerbating global hardships.
Ramaphosa announced the formation of three task forces to guide South Africa’s presidency. These will focus on inclusive economic growth, industrialization, employment, and inequality; food security; and artificial intelligence, data governance, and innovation for sustainable development.
He stressed the importance of the G20 remaining committed to addressing global economic and financial challenges without replacing the roles of existing institutions such as the United Nations.
Over the course of the year, South Africa will host more than 130 meetings involving delegates from nearly 30 countries and over 20 international organizations.
