Mr. Zane Dangor, South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, presented the priorities for South Africa’s historical G20 Presidency, emphasizing a theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” He highlighted the importance of addressing global inequalities and aligning G20 initiatives with the UN agenda. South Africa’s priorities focus on disaster resilience, debt sustainability, Just Energy Transition, and harnessing critical minerals for growth. The briefing reinforces the necessity of international cooperation and the ongoing relevance of the UN in navigating global challenges.
In a recent briefing to the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Zane Dangor, the G20 Sherpa and Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, articulated South Africa’s priorities for its G20 Presidency, which stands as a significant milestone for the African continent. He emphasized a theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” that aligns with the overarching ideals advocated by former President Nelson Mandela, highlighting the moral obligation to address global injustices.
Mr. Dangor referenced General Assembly resolution 71/327, which supports informal engagements between the UN and intergovernmental groupings such as the G20 to enhance transparency and coherence in global economic governance. He reiterated that, for South Africa, the UN General Assembly is the principal deliberative body, crucial for policy-making that addresses global challenges rather than pursuing parallel processes.
The “Pact of the Future,” adopted at the UN’s Summit in 2024, offers a unique opportunity for revitalizing global governance, with South Africa committed to integrating these actions into the G20 agenda. Mr. Dangor acknowledged the leadership role of the General Assembly President in driving the implementation of this pact while addressing the interconnected threats of extreme poverty, geopolitical tension, and climate crises.
Amidst these global polycrises, inequality remains a significant barrier to development. Mr. Dangor highlighted the urgent need to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, noting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks on the critical juncture for humanity as we approach the 2030 deadline. South Africa is pursuing an agenda focused on creating a future that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
Under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, initiatives will focus on four key areas: strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a Just Energy Transition, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth. These priorities aim to address barriers affecting growth in the Global South, reflecting G20’s commitment to promoting balanced and sustainable growth.
To further these goals, South Africa has launched three Task Forces targeting Inclusive Economic Growth, Food Security, and Artificial Intelligence, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development. Additional initiatives include a Broadened Compact with Africa and a review of past G20 work to improve global governance.
As South Africa prepares to honor multiple UN anniversaries in 2025, it emphasizes enhancing international cooperation to tackle global challenges. The country advocates for the reform of the multilateral system and stresses the need for increased representation from developing nations within the UN framework. With the inclusion of the African Union in the G20, Mr. Dangor believes there is an enhanced opportunity for Africa to influence global economic governance positively.
To foster synergy between the G20 and the UN, South Africa’s leadership aims to strengthen collaboration, crucial in addressing contemporary challenges. Acknowledging the inherent connections between conflicts and global insecurity, the call for diplomatic solutions remains paramount. The G20 Summit in November 2025 is envisioned as a platform for strengthened cooperation among global leaders, embodying South Africa’s lasting impact on the G20’s direction.
In closing, Mr. Dangor quoted former President Mandela’s poignant reflection on unity—”We either rise together as humanity, or together fall”—emphasizing the collective responsibility to build a better future for all.
The South African G20 Presidency thus heralds a renewed commitment to the ideals of cooperation, solidarity, and sustainable development, echoing historical struggles while projecting a hopeful vision for future collaboration among global partners.
In summary, Mr. Zane Dangor’s briefing to the UN General Assembly on South Africa’s G20 Presidency encapsulates a significant commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through a framework of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. By aligning its initiatives with the UN agenda and emphasizing cooperation, South Africa aims to empower developing nations while reinforcing multilateral systems. The priorities of the G20 under South Africa’s leadership reflect a dedication to inclusivity and a brighter future, culminating in the anticipation of a cooperative G20 Summit in 2025. The call for unity and collaboration remains a cornerstone of the discourse, as articulated by Nelson Mandela.
Original Source: allafrica.com
