Ramaphosa Calls for Unity: South Africa Assumes G-20 Presidency Amid Global Uncertainty

Cyril Ramaphosa

Source: Africa Publicity

In a significant move, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged enhanced cooperation among G-20 nations, emphasizing the need for collective action to address pressing global challenges. Ramaphosa’s call to action comes as the US, under President Donald Trump, pursues an “America First” agenda, which has been criticized for undermining global cooperation.

Speaking at a meeting of G-20 finance ministers and central bank governors in Cape Town, Ramaphosa stressed that “multilateral cooperation is our only hope of overcoming unprecedented challenges” such as slow economic growth, rising debt, persistent poverty, inequality, and climate change.

As the first African nation to assume the G-20 presidency, South Africa has outlined its priorities, including fostering global solidarity and cooperation, overhauling global institutions, supporting developing nations, and combating climate change. These priorities are in stark contrast to the Trump administration’s policies, which have been criticized for prioritizing national interests over global cooperation.

Ramaphosa’s leadership comes at a critical time, as the world grapples with escalating tensions, rising nationalism, and a decline in global cooperation. The G-20 summit, scheduled to take place in Johannesburg in November, will provide a platform for world leaders to come together and address these pressing challenges.

As Ramaphosa emphasized, “We must collectively target a step change in our efforts to improve the lives of the peoples of the world, but more importantly, to protect future generations”.