CAPETOWN, FEB 28: The G20, though focused on international economic cooperation, must support restoring global stability. With the South Africa G20 presidency’s theme of solidarity, equality and sustainability, we are at a critical juncture as we face interconnected global challenges.
Our recent G20 foreign ministers meeting took place at the National Agriculture Sports Recreation Events Centre (NASREC), a crucial site for urban development, where NASREC and its surrounding community symbolise the importance of bridging gaps between the Global North and South.
Ubuntu, a Bantu word meaning “humanity to others” or “I am because we are”, emphasises solidarity and harmony. South Africa’s G20 presidency aims to address global challenges and strengthen international cooperation based on respect for international law and humanitarian principles.
Crucial financing
We believe that the G20 can renew its efforts to tackle the critical issue of debt sustainability. The world’s debt system is fundamentally flawed. It needs reform, including the international financial architecture.
High financing costs and the prioritisation of debt service over development needs have negative human impacts, resulting in debt distress that must be addressed.
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Building on G20 initiatives undertaken in recent years, we should advance sustainable solutions to tackle high structural deficits and liquidity challenges as well as extend debt relief to developing economies.
Financing for development is crucial, with the upcoming fourth international conference complementing G20 efforts. Despite contributing the least to climate change, Africa endures its devastating effects, costing up to 5% of its GDP. This inequality demands urgent redress, highlighted by the mere 2% global clean energy investment Africa received from 2015 to 2022.
Geopolitical issues
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The G20 can shape global stability and common purpose by emphasising solidarity, equality and sustainability through dialogue and multilateralism.
South Africa’s G20 presidency emphasises a consensus approach to geopolitical issues to promote human development. South Africa views with apprehension the deteriorating conflict in parts of Africa, particularly in Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The death of 14 South African soldiers serving with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) is a recent loss.
We have set an agenda that will not focus on one conflict situation to the exclusion of others, especially on the African continent, as has been the practice recently.
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Chapter VI of the UN Charter advocates for peaceful dispute resolution. South Africa, concerned by worsening conflicts in Africa, calls for G20 support to silence the guns and achieve inclusive development. Efforts to end conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine remain priorities.
Indeed, the G20 is largely preoccupied with issues related to international economic cooperation. However, few would argue that these geopolitical fractures do not adversely affect the performance of the global economy.
It is instructive that we, as the G20, support restoring global stability and common purpose. To do so we must recommit to the principles of solidarity, equality and sustainability by emphasising the need for dialogue and finding common ground to address global challenges.
Reforming the UN
The UN remains the primary global organisation that maintains international peace and security, protects human rights and promotes sustainable development. To address modern global challenges, we must frankly discuss necessary reforms to make this organisation truly representative and democratic. This includes reforming the UN Security Council and revitalising the General Assembly.
Our democracy is rooted in the dignity and equality of all individuals. We strive for transformative constitutionalism to correct historical imbalances. Only five years remain until the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, and the G20 must prioritise accelerating progress toward these goals.
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The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently highlighted: “Halfway to the deadline for the 2030 Agenda, we are leaving more than half the world behind.” His report revealed that only 12% of SDG targets are on track, with 30% stalled or regressing. Immediate action is necessary to prevent the 2030 Agenda from becoming merely an epitaph for unfulfilled aspirations.
This grim outlook from the UN Secretary-General suggests that meeting the 2030 deadline requires a significant change in mindset and practical solutions.
South Africa is committed to working with all members of the G20 to advance the work of this particularly important forum. It remains committed to its responsibility to play a bridge-building role and preserve the unity of the Group during its G20 presidency.
Our firm view is that the unity of the group will be key to reaching a consensus on this presidency’s priorities and deliverables, bridging gaps between the Global North and South.
