Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has called on G20 nations to embrace the South African philosophy of Ubuntu as a guiding principle to tackle the shared global challenges facing agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods.
Addressing the second session of the hybrid Group of 20 (G20) Agriculture Working Group (AWG) meeting on Tuesday, Steenhuisen highlighted critical issues that are affecting agricultural stakeholders worldwide.
These include the increasing frequency of devastating animal and plant diseases, the worsening impacts of climate change, persistent poverty and high levels of hunger.
He emphasised that no country can tackle these crises alone, calling for enhanced global cooperation rooted in the principles of Ubuntu -- the belief that "I am because we are". These principles prioritise collective action, mutual respect and shared responsibility.
WATCH highlights from the meeting |
Priorities for global agriculture
South Africa’s G20 Presidency has placed Ubuntu at the heart of the nation's four agricultural priorities for 2025.
The philosophy underscores the belief that only through unity and collective effort can sustainable and equitable solutions be achieved.
The four key priorities are:
• Promoting inclusive market participation and food security. South Africa calls on the G20 to ensure that no farmer, trader or community is left behind. This means creating policies and investments that support smallholder farmers, women, youth and marginalised groups; fostering markets where everyone has a place, and securing access to nutritious food for all.
• Empowering youth and women in agrifood systems. South Africa recognises the need to prioritise youth and women in agriculture by expanding access to land, finance, training and leadership opportunities, acknowledging their vital role in driving innovation and sustainability in global food systems.
• Fostering innovation and technology transfer. South Africa is advocating for greater collaboration in research and technology, ensuring that new agricultural innovations benefit all, especially developing nations and vulnerable communities. This includes enhancing partnerships to bridge the technological divide and provide farmers with the tools they need to thrive.
• Building climate resilience for sustainable agriculture. South Africa is committed to working with G20 nations to secure climate financing, exchange knowledge on climate-smart practices, and protect the most vulnerable farmers from the worsening effects of extreme weather.
“Climate change affects us all, and Ubuntu teaches us that our survival is interconnected,” the Minister said.
Call for global partnership
Steenhuisen acknowledged Brazil for its leadership in launching the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to advancing this initiative through the G20’s Food Security Task Force.
“In South Africa, we have come to realise that neither government, nor the private sector, nor donors alone can solve the complex challenges we face. It is only through partnerships, through the collective wisdom of our shared humanity, that we can create lasting solutions. This is the spirit of Ubuntu in action,” Steenhuisen said.
As the G20 Agriculture Working Group continues its engagements across three provinces in South Africa throughout the year, the Minister extended an invitation to delegates to experience firsthand the country’s rich agricultural landscape, and to witness the warmth and resilience of its people.
South Africa (which is the first African nation to hold the G20 Presidency) will be at the helm of the Group of 20 from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, only five years before the deadline of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The theme for South Africa's G20 Presidency is Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. – SAnews.gov.za
