By Johnathan Paoli
As the first African nation to host the G20 Summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined South Africa’s aims to emphasise solidarity, equality, and sustainable development through global cooperation.
Speaking at the South Africa Night event during the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, Ramaphosa outlined South Africa’s economic reforms aimed at overcoming challenges such as stagnant growth, state capture and the legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Tonight, under the guiding principle of Ubuntu, the profound belief that ‘I am because we are’, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of humanity. It is this principle of Ubuntu that underpins South Africa’s leadership and vision for our G20 Presidency,” he said.
The event, which showcased South Africa’s vibrant culture, symbolised the values of Ubuntu, where were unity, compassion and collective responsibility.
Ramaphosa said South Africa’s economy was starting to recover, there was enhanced competitiveness and more investment, which formed a foundation for sustained growth.
The president also celebrated the establishment of the Government of National Unity, which has bolstered political stability and investor confidence.
Central to his address was South Africa’s focus on inclusive growth and social transformation.
He lauded partnerships between the government, businesses and social stakeholders to tackle pressing issues such as energy security, infrastructure development, crime, corruption and job creation.
These collaborative efforts reflected the nation’s tradition of dialogue and cooperation.
Ramaphosa expressed South Africa’s intent to amplify marginalised voices during its G20 Presidency, advocating for solutions that prioritised vulnerable populations.
He invited global partners to join in shaping a more just, equitable and prosperous world, underscoring South Africa’s resilience, renewal and its vision of leveraging international cooperation to drive meaningful change.
The evening celebrated the country’s achievements while fostering dialogue on global progress, inspiring attendees to act collectively for a brighter future.
During his main address earlier in the day, the president underscored the critical role of cooperation in tackling pressing global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, pandemics and geopolitical tensions.
Ramaphosa reiterated calls for reforms in global financial institutions and the redistribution of unused Special Drawing Rights to support development in Africa and the Global South.
He said South Africa would advocate for increased climate finance to help developing nations reduce emissions while addressing the effects of climate-induced disasters.
By promoting green industrialisation and local value addition to critical minerals, and ensuring that resource-rich communities benefited from their natural wealth, Ramaphosa said the G20 framework would encourage low-carbon manufacturing and industrial development in Africa.
He outlined how investments in infrastructure, youth skills, women’s economic empowerment and pharmaceutical production would be key focus areas.
Ramaphosa also called for support of the African Continental Free Trade Area to enhance regional integration and sustainable growth.
He emphasised the unique opportunity to showcase Africa’s potential as a global growth frontier, with its vast natural resources, young population and expanding markets.
He called for collective action to build an inclusive, fair and prosperous world, inviting G20 leaders to Johannesburg for a summit that he hoped would elevate global cooperation.
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