CAPE TOWN, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- South Africa will champion partnership and progress at the World Economic Forum (WEF), advocating for global cooperation to drive sustainable and inclusive growth, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Monday.
Ramaphosa made these remarks in his weekly newsletter to the nation as he would lead South Africa's delegation to the 55th annual WEF meeting, scheduled for Jan. 20-24 in Davos, Switzerland.
"One of the messages we will be taking to Davos is our ongoing commitment to partnerships in pursuit of inclusive growth and sustainable development," he said.
"We will present our experiences of cooperation across society in South Africa and encourage greater emphasis on partnerships in international relations. In particular, we will make a call for global companies to partner with governments, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in emerging markets to pursue sustainable and inclusive growth," he said.
The president is set to deliver a special address at the WEF, outlining South Africa's priorities for the G20 presidency from Dec. 1, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2025.
"At the center of our G20 agenda is the promotion of cooperation among G20 and other countries on the most pressing issues facing the world," noted Ramaphosa, stressing that this cooperation should not only take place at a government-to-government level, but should involve all social formations.
"As in previous G20 presidencies, dialogue with civil society and other non-government institutions will be conducted through various engagement groups. These engagement groups cover sectors such as business, labor, civil society, parliamentary bodies, and the judiciary," Ramaphosa said.
"Following the approach of the Brazilian G20 presidency in 2024, we will be convening a G20 Social Forum. This will bring together representatives of engagement groups and other segments of civil society," he added.
Under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability," South Africa's G20 presidency aims to promote inclusive dialogue and global cooperation. The country will host the G20 Leaders' Summit later this year in Johannesburg, its largest city and economic hub. ■
