South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks during the official launch of South Africa's G20 presidency in Cape Town, South Africa, on Dec. 3, 2024. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua)
CAPE TOWN, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the country's G20 presidency on Tuesday, declaring the country's commitment to fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.
Speaking at the official launch of South Africa's G20 presidency in Cape Town, the country's legislative capital, Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa's assumption of the presidency on Dec. 1, a historic milestone as the first African nation to lead this influential group of the world's largest economies.
"South Africa's G20 presidency takes place at a moment in which the world is facing severe challenges, including climate change crisis, inequality and poverty, subdued outlook for global economic growth, and geopolitical instability," he said. "Working together with G20 members and building partnerships across society, South Africa will seek to harness global will and capabilities to confront these challenges."
Specifically, the country will lead the group to seek inclusive economic growth, achieve global justice, eradicate poverty and hunger, and combat climate change for a sustainable future, he said, adding that reflecting this ambition, South Africa has adopted the theme "Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability" for its presidency.
"In line with our theme, we will seek to strengthen and advance the international effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030," Ramaphosa said. "We will use this moment to bring the development priorities of the African continent and the Global South more firmly onto the agenda of the G20."
Key focus areas for South Africa's presidency include strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and leveraging critical minerals for inclusive development, he said.
Ramaphosa also announced the establishment of three task forces, which focus on "Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialization, Employment, and Reduced Inequality," "Food Security," and "Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Innovation for Sustainable Development," respectively.
He also stressed the importance of the G20 maintaining its focus on core responsibilities to address global economic and financial challenges.
"It should not replace existing international institutions and platforms, such as the United Nations and associated bodies," he said. "To ensure that the G20 remains focused, South Africa will not create any new working groups or permanent structures."
Concluding his speech, Ramaphosa said that South Africa's presidency will culminate in the G20 Leaders' Summit in November 2025 in Johannesburg, where world leaders will adopt a declaration outlining collective actions to address critical global challenges.
With over 130 meetings planned and tens of thousands of participants from nearly 30 countries and more than 20 regional and international organizations expected to arrive in South Africa during its G20 presidency, he said it is an opportunity to showcase the country's immense potential and unique experiences to the world.
"We look forward to welcoming our friends and partners to our beautiful country," he said. "Through South Africa's G20 presidency, we will work to build a better Africa and a better world, and to ensure that no one is left behind." ■
