South Africa Takes Over G20 Presidency from Brazil

South Africa has officially taken over the presidency of the G20, becoming the first African nation to lead the group of the world’s largest economies. In a speech delivered at the summit in Rio de Janeiro, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the country’s priorities for the upcoming year, placing a strong emphasis on advancing inclusive economic growth, food security, and global cooperation in the realms of artificial intelligence and climate change.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency: A Focus on Inclusivity and Sustainability

Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa’s leadership of the G20 will focus on ensuring no one is left behind, with a theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” He said the country will prioritise the development of the Global South and advocate for greater representation of African interests within the G20, marking a historic moment for the continent.

“The G20 will support the most vulnerable countries and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” President Ramaphosa said. “We will work to ensure a fairer and more equitable global system, where the voices of Africa and the Global South are heard and acted upon.”

The South African president also highlighted key issues such as addressing global food security challenges, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and accelerating digital transformation through artificial intelligence. “We expect to have a successful summit in Johannesburg, and we’re ready to collaborate with the world to make meaningful progress,” he added.

A Year of Diplomacy and Multilateral Action

Taking over from Brazil, which held the presidency in 2023, Ramaphosa underscored South Africa’s commitment to strengthening multilateralism, modernising global governance systems, and addressing the growing geopolitical tensions in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. He called for more robust international efforts to foster peace and security, particularly in conflict zones where the need for humanitarian relief is dire.

“We must speak up against the violence in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, and work towards solutions that promote peace and justice for all,” he said, emphasising the importance of addressing the needs of both Palestinians and Israelis in Gaza.

In addition to advancing the Global South’s priorities, Ramaphosa also stressed the need for significant reforms in global institutions, including the United Nations, to make them more inclusive, effective, and responsive to current global challenges.

Commitment to Economic Growth and the African Agenda

South Africa’s G20 presidency will also focus on economic growth, with particular attention to addressing global inequality. Ramaphosa expressed his commitment to reducing the gap between rich and poor nations and emphasised the need for policies that create jobs and tackle poverty. The country will advocate for stronger economic partnerships with developing countries to ensure that prosperity is more widely shared.

“We must use this moment to push for systemic change that can bring about lasting improvements to the economies of developing countries,” said the president. “Our success will be measured by how well we tackle the core issues of inequality, poverty, and unemployment that undermine global stability.”

Support for the African Union’s Role in the G20

A significant milestone in the G20’s evolution was the acceptance of the African Union as a permanent member of the group in 2023. Ramaphosa pledged that South Africa will leverage this newfound representation to ensure Africa’s development priorities are at the forefront of global discussions. He stated that the African Union’s inclusion marks a crucial step in strengthening Africa’s voice on the global stage.

Key Takeaways from Brazil’s G20 Presidency

Brazil’s presidency of the G20 was marked by several important achievements, including the creation of the G20 Social Summit, reforms to Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and the promotion of renewable energy. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasised the need for continued efforts to combat hunger, promote gender equality, and improve access to healthcare and water for all.

Brazil’s leadership also highlighted the importance of the international community working together to address issues such as climate change and the global health crisis, including increasing vaccine access and promoting sustainable development.

A Year of Global Cooperation and Challenges

As South Africa assumes the presidency, Ramaphosa is committed to advancing these key initiatives while also navigating the complexities of a world facing growing geopolitical tensions, climate challenges, and economic instability. By focusing on inclusivity, fairness, and solidarity, South Africa aims to foster a global environment where no nation or community is left behind.

President Ramaphosa’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for Africa and the Global South, and with the G20 Summit set to take place in Johannesburg in December, South Africa is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of the global economy and international cooperation.