SA will use its presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) to build on an earlier formal agreement by the world’s largest economies to strengthen multilateralism and reform global institutions including the UN, the World Trade Organisation and multilateral lenders, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.
SA assumes the rotational presidency of the G20 on December 1, taking over from Brazil, which has pushed for measures to reform global governance as a priority.
G20 leaders formally agreed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September to reform global institutions, which were established more than 80 years ago after World War 2.
“Reform of these institutions is more urgent now than ever before, and I believe that we all agree that for world governance to go forward these institutions must be reformed,” Ramaphosa told leaders on Monday at the two-day G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Ramaphosa highlighted the numerous global challenges, including rising global temperatures, inequality and geopolitical tensions such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and the conflicts in Gaza and Sudan, which necessitate reform of global institutions to make them fit for purpose.
He called for the modernisation of the UN to enhance its effectiveness and agility. The president also emphasised the need for a fair global financial system, with more ambitious targets for grants and concessional financing.
On the conflict in Gaza, he said: “The people of Palestine have been denied their right to self-determination and are under the yoke of a brutal and violent occupation.
“As the G20 collective, we need to add our voices to ensure that the carnage that is taking place in Gaza is ended and that we work towards a just and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. The UN Charter must therefore be respected,” he said.
“[Global] institutions need to be inclusive and representative, just as we call for the UN and UN Security Council to be inclusive and not leave others out. They must be able to respond to the needs of all persons and under all situations. The United Nations must remain the centrepiece of multilateralism. The UN must lead the way in advancing peace and security, tackling poverty and underdevelopment, and protecting human rights.”
The G20 is a bloc of 19 of the world’s largest economies and the EU. The AU joined in 2023. Member states include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, SA, Russia, Turkey, the UK and the US.
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