President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa declared his nation’s support for Nigeria’s G20 membership bid during the launch of South Africa’s G20 presidency in Cape Town. This notably marks the first instance of an African country leading the G20. Ramaphosa emphasized the need for Africa’s voice to be amplified, acknowledging the continent’s challenges during his presidency, which will focus on disaster resilience and equitable financing for development.
In a significant diplomatic move, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that his nation would back Nigeria’s aspiration to join the G20, during the official commencement of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town. This historic moment marks the first occasion that an African nation has assumed the presidency of this influential group on a rotational basis. President Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of enhancing Africa’s representation, stating, “Nigeria will be keenly supported by us. We have been a lone member of G20. We shall need to raise the voice of Africa which had been neglected.” This support echoes the backing that Nigeria previously offered to the African Union’s membership in the G20, which was granted at the summit in New Delhi last year.
Nigeria expressed its desire to join the G20 during a ministerial session held as part of the 11th bi-national commission between South Africa and Nigeria in Cape Town. The request was articulated by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa noted the critical timing of South Africa’s G20 presidency, given the escalating global challenges related to climate change, conflict, and geopolitical instability. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among G20 members, stating that South Africa’s presidency will aim to address these issues while prioritizing disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income nations, and financing for just energy transitions.
Furthermore, President Ramaphosa’s leadership seeks to strengthen international responses to climate-induced natural disasters, urging that this issue be elevated to the highest levels of global leadership. He called upon the international community, including financial institutions and the private sector, to increase their commitment toward post-disaster reconstruction to aid affected nations effectively. South Africa’s G20 presidency heralds a crucial opportunity for African nations to influence global discourse and foster progress on pivotal shared objectives.
The G20 is a major international forum that brings together the world’s largest economies to discuss policy issues affecting the global economy. South Africa’s leadership is pivotal as it represents African interests in a space traditionally dominated by developed nations. The African Union’s recent acceptance as a permanent member of the G20 underscores a growing recognition of Africa’s contributions to global issues. Within this context, Nigeria’s bid for G20 membership reflects a broader aspiration among African countries to gain a more substantial voice in global governance, particularly on pressing matters such as climate change, economic stability, and sustainable development.
In conclusion, South Africa’s commitment to support Nigeria’s G20 membership bid signifies a strategic effort to enhance Africa’s influence within global discussions. President Ramaphosa’s emphasis on collective action to tackle pressing international challenges highlights the importance of unity among G20 members. As South Africa assumes the presidency, it seeks to not only elevate Africa’s position but also address critical issues such as climate resilience and debt sustainability, thereby fostering a more collaborative global environment.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
