JOHANNESBURG (BG) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for greater African representation in global decision-making as South Africa prepares to host the first-ever G20 Summit on African soil later this year.
Speaking at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday, Ramaphosa said, “The Summit’s location underscores the need for African voices to be heard on critical global issues, like sustainable development, the digital economy and the shift toward green energy.”
He emphasized Africa’s growing role in global economic and environmental discussions, highlighting that some of the world’s fastest-growing economies are on the continent.
Ramaphosa also addressed pressing global crises, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, and food insecurity.
He stressed that these challenges are interconnected and require “responses that are inclusive and coordinated.”
South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from Dec. 1, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2025.
The milestone marks the first time an African country leads the influential global forum, which brings together leaders and policymakers from the world’s major economies.
Under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, he pledged to focus on four key priorities: strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing “critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
On climate change, Ramaphosa warned that “the climate crisis is no longer a threat. It is a catastrophic reality.”
He called for greater financial support for developing nations, arguing that those “most responsible for climate change have a duty and responsibility to support those least responsible.”
He also urged G20 nations to advocate for diplomatic solutions to conflicts worldwide, emphasizing that “the peaceful resolution of conflict through inclusive dialogue is the foremost guarantor of sustainable, lasting peace.”
As South Africa leads the G20 this year, Ramaphosa hoped the summit would promote solidarity, equality, and sustainability, ensuring that “all voices are heard and all views count.”
