International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola believes that South Africa’s G20 Presidency will be a significant moment in the country’s young democracy.
“After the [2010] World Cup and the collective fight we mounted as a nation against COVID-19, it will be our biggest national project,” he said on Friday.
The Minister was speaking during his keynote address at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) Conference, in Sandton, Johannesburg.
South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency from Brazil in December this year.
READ | SA committed to prioritising Africa’s development during G20 Presidency
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the theme of South Africa’s Presidency will focus on solidarity, cooperation and sustainable development.
According to Lamola, South Africa plans to prioritise discussions on the Just Energy Transition, financing for development, transforming global financial structures, infrastructure development, and other critical issues. These include artificial intelligence, food security, and the debt trap.
“We must reverse the uneven distribution of resources for just transition. It is inconceivable that Africa receives less than 3% of the global climate change financing, while being the most affected continent. We will advocate for more resources to be allocated to Africa for climate change.”
On Thursday, International Relations and Cooperation Director-General (DG) Zane Dangor emphasised South Africa’s commitment to prioritising Africa’s development and equality during its G20 Presidency.
Dangor, who also serves as South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, was speaking during a consultation meeting on the G20 with his African Union Commission (AUC) counterpart, Ambassador Albert Muchanga.
He stressed that South Africa would place Africa’s development at the top of the agenda.
The DG said he hopes that South Africa’s G20 Presidency will bring to the fore the needs, not just of African countries, but other developing nations as well.
“The idea of strengthening the voice of the South is going to be very critical,” said Dangor. – SAnews.gov.za
