South Africa to use G20 Presidency to further push shared goals: Ronald Lamola

Wed Dec 11 11:27:13 UTC 2024: ## South Africa to Prioritize Inclusive Growth and Sustainability During G20 Presidency

**Johannesburg, South Africa –** South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has outlined the country’s priorities for its G20 presidency, which began earlier this month. The presidency, themed “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” will focus on addressing global challenges through several key initiatives.

Mr. Lamola announced plans to strengthen disaster resilience, ensure debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilize finance for a just energy transition, and harness critical minerals for inclusive growth. These goals will be pursued through three temporary task forces, a new initiative, and a Cost of Capital Commission. A review of the G20’s two decades of work will also be undertaken.

Building on Brazil’s successful inclusion of civil society in the G20, South Africa will convene a G20 Social Forum in advance of the 2025 Leaders’ Summit. Mr. Lamola emphasized the importance of multilateralism, strengthening the UN, and adhering to international law to navigate the current geopolitical complexities and challenges like climate change and economic inequality. He also called for the G20 to highlight the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The G20, comprising 19 countries and two regional bodies, represents approximately 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade. South Africa’s presidency will oversee over 130 meetings across various sectors leading up to the 2025 G20 Summit.