![President Cyril Ramaphosa engages with members of the media following the Group of 20(G20) Foreign Ministers Meeting held at Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. [Photo: GCIS]](https://theafricadailypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/54341229418_e312e335ff_k-860x615.jpg)
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for global unity and cooperation as South Africa takes on the G20 presidency for the first time. Speaking at the opening of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa urged world leaders to work together to address global challenges, emphasizing inclusivity, reform, and solidarity.
Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” the meeting highlighted Africa’s growing role in global affairs. Ramaphosa pointed out the continent’s unique challenges, including the impact of climate change, development needs, and the effects of global trade. He stressed that African voices must be central in discussions on key issues like sustainable development, the digital economy, and the transition to green energy.
The president also warned of the interconnected nature of global challenges, such as geopolitical tensions, economic inequality, and food insecurity. He called on the G20 to act collectively and find common ground to tackle these problems, which threaten global stability.
Ramaphosa reminded the international community that there are only five years remaining to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, stressing the importance of upholding commitments to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet, and promote gender equality and sustainable economic growth.
South Africa’s presidency, Ramaphosa stated, aims to ensure that the G20 reflects the needs and aspirations of its diverse members, representing over two-thirds of the world’s population. Decisions within the group, he emphasized, must be inclusive and responsive to the realities of all people.
Ramaphosa also reiterated South Africa’s longstanding call for reforming the United Nations, the multilateral trading system, and international financial institutions to make them more representative of current global dynamics. He emphasized that the principles of the UN Charter and multilateralism should guide the G20’s efforts.
Addressing global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, Ramaphosa welcomed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He urged continued diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts and shared South Africa’s belief in the power of inclusive dialogue for achieving lasting peace.
During his speech, Ramaphosa laid out four key priorities for South Africa’s G20 Presidency: strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing climate finance for a just energy transition, and utilizing critical minerals for sustainable development.
