Skukuza: The Group of 20 (G20) is uniquely positioned to respond to the complex and interconnected crises shaping today’s world, such as economic instability, inequality, climate change, and geopolitical tension. This was the key message from Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, during her opening remarks at the fourth meeting of the G20 Development Working Group (DWG) held at Skukuza Lodge in the Kruger National Park.
According to South African Government News Agency, Ramokgopa emphasized the symbolic importance of the venue, reflecting South Africa’s rich natural and archaeological heritage and its commitment to sustainable development. She noted that the meeting precedes the DWG Ministerial Meeting on July 24th and 25th, marking a crucial week for advancing the shared commitment to confront global development challenges.
Ramokgopa referenced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, noting it faces its toughest test. She reiterated the critical role the G20 plays, as reaffirmed in past summits like Rio de Janeiro, in leading global action. The Minister highlighted the Development Working Group’s dedication to a people-centered development model rooted in justice, sustainability, and resilience since 2016.
The Minister identified key priorities for the DWG, including prioritizing inclusive well-being and establishing social protection systems. She stressed that social protection should be viewed as a cornerstone of development, fostering economic vitality, societal unity, and gender parity. Ramokgopa cited data from UN Women, highlighting persistent gender disparities such as the 20% pay gap, legal restrictions affecting over 2.7 billion women globally, and the overrepresentation of women in informal and vulnerable employment.
Ramokgopa called for universal access to social protection, recognition of invisible care work, and targeted support for historically excluded groups. She emphasized that while such initiatives should be funded domestically, international solidarity and innovative financing mechanisms are crucial for nations facing fiscal strain or external shocks.
Addressing public finance, Ramokgopa described domestic resource mobilization as ‘non-negotiable’, calling for fair, efficient, and transparent tax systems and resolute action against illicit financial flows (IFFs). She reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development and committed to actions empowering governments in revenue generation and spending.
Ramokgopa highlighted the challenges posed by IFFs, urging partners to adopt comprehensive measures like automatic data sharing and capacity-building for law enforcement. She noted that only 15% of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are on track to be achieved by 2030, with rising debt, economic shocks, hunger, and climate-related threats worsening the outlook.
The Minister called on the international community to reimagine global problem-solving, advocating for cooperation focused on global public goods, equitable governance, and inclusive multilateralism. Discussions include strengthening global institutions, transparent decision-making, shared but differentiated responsibilities, and the innovative use of technology.