South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday that his country will focus on the needs of Africa and the Global South during its upcoming G20 presidency.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of people-driven, sustainable development. He referenced the Pact for the Future, which commits member states to enhance multilateral action for a new peace agenda.
Reflecting on last week’s UN General Assembly, Ramaphosa highlighted that sustainable development requires inclusive and responsive multilateral institutions. He called for fundamental reforms to bodies like the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund.
Ramaphosa pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of shortcomings in the international financial system. He stated that low-income countries struggled to secure financial assistance for their pandemic responses.
He criticized the complicated lending requirements and bureaucratic processes that hinder support for poorer nations. Additionally, he noted that developing countries face challenges in obtaining necessary funds to combat climate change.
Ramaphosa also called for reforms to the UN Security Council, arguing that global security should not rest with a few major powers. He asserted that the current security approach is unjust and unsustainable, stressing the need for a more representative council.
