Johannesburg: President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of the G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil reflecting both the continent’s and the global community’s aspirations. Opening the two-day event at Johannesburg’s Nasrec Expo Centre, he highlighted the G20’s expanded focus, which now includes trade, sustainable development, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, energy, and climate change.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa noted the necessity of progress in these areas for achieving strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth. He called for solidarity to create a future that advances the interests of those at risk of being left behind, stressing the interconnected nature of global challenges.

The President urged the promotion of equality to ensure fair treatment and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of breaking down economic, gender, race, and geographical divisions. He highlighted the need for sustainability, stability, and inclusive markets to drive innovation, efficiency, and poverty reduction.

President Ramaphosa also called for renewed efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and reform the international financial architecture. He emphasized the need for debt sustainability for African countries and increased climate finance for developing economies.

He underscored the significance of the first African G20 Presidency, urging leaders to uphold the integrity and credibility of the summit. The President thanked delegations for their cooperation in producing a valuable outcome document and highlighted the G20’s role in promoting multilateralism.

The summit declaration, he stated, sends a message of hope and solidarity, demonstrating that global challenges can be resolved through cooperation and partnership.