South African President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit hosted on African soil on Saturday, calling for deeper global cooperation, a renewed commitment to multilateralism, and stronger action to address global inequality, climate threats, and sustainable development challenges.
Speaking at the Cradle of Humankind in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa welcomed heads of state and government, international organisations, and regional blocs to what he described as a defining moment for Africa and the Global South.
“We gather here to affirm our common humanity,” he said. “And to find common solutions to shared problems.”
Ramaphosa reflected on South Africa’s democratic journey, invoking former President Nelson Mandela’s 1994 call for the country to “take up its rightful and responsible place in the community of nations.”
Hosting the G20, he said, underscores South Africa’s responsibility to uphold that vision and to represent the aspirations of the African continent.
Over the past year, South Africa presided over more than 130 G20 meetings held across the continent and globally, a stewardship Ramaphosa said was guided by “care and diligence” to preserve the integrity of the G20 as a premier platform for international economic cooperation.
G20 Under the Theme: Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability
South Africa’s G20 Presidency adopted the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” which Ramaphosa said reflects the need for:
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Solidarity to protect vulnerable nations in an interconnected world
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Equality to tackle entrenched disparities within and between nations
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Sustainability to ensure that today’s growth does not compromise future generations
Ramaphosa stressed that reducing inequality, promoting inclusive markets, and stabilizing the global economy are essential to generating innovation, attracting investment, and lifting millions out of poverty.
Four Priority Areas for the G20
The President outlined four major pillars of South Africa’s G20 agenda:
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Strengthening disaster resilience and response, especially for nations unable to afford recovery from climate-induced disasters.
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Ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, with a strong focus on African states.
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Mobilising finance for a just energy transition, including increased climate finance for developing economies.
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Harnessing critical minerals for development, through beneficiation at the source to promote inclusive growth.
South Africa also placed emphasis on food security, industrialisation, employment, AI governance, and inclusive economic growth.
A Call to Protect Multilateralism
The president warned against undermining the credibility of the G20, urging leaders to protect the integrity and unity of the forum.
“The adoption of the declaration from the summit sends an important signal to the world that multilateralism can and does deliver,” he said.
“It tells the world that we will leave no person, no community, and no country behind.”
Ramaphosa concluded with a message of hope and solidarity, thanking global leaders for working “in good faith” toward a successful and historic summit.
