Cape Town – The United Nations has expressed readiness to assist South Africa as it prepares to assume the G20 Presidency in December.
This will mark the first time the G20 summit is hosted in Africa.
South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to November 2025, approximately five years before the deadline of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
South Africa, the only African nation in the G20, will convene meetings in the lead-up to the 2024 summit.
During an interview with SABC News, UN Deputy Secretary-General Dr Amina Mohammed emphasised the importance of South Africa’s role in consolidating efforts by the Global South to address developing world issues, particularly in the global economic agenda.
“Let’s first of all step back a bit. The last four leaderships have been from the South. South Africa represents the last of the five.
The @UN Deputy Secretary General @AminaJMohammed on South Africa and G20. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/TQgLmDLsj8
— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) October 7, 2024
“It’s very important to consolidate all the efforts that have been made by the global south in order to get the issues of the developing world on the agenda, particularly the global economic agenda,” Mohammed said.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined South Africa’s priorities for its upcoming G20 presidency, emphasising the needs of Africa and the Global South.
When South Africa assumes the Presidency of the #G20 later this year, we will prioritise the needs and aspirations of our continent and the Global South. As a signatory to the Pact for the Future, we want people-driven, sustainable development to become a reality.… pic.twitter.com/9XNU7S5QLX
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 30, 2024
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of inclusive development, multilateralism, and financial reforms to address global challenges like poverty, climate change, and economic inequality.
“We want people-driven, sustainable development to become a reality,” Ramaphosa said, reiterating South Africa’s commitment to creating a more just global financial system.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
