An informal meeting of the United Nations General Assembly was convened today in New York to listen to a briefing by South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, Zane Dangor. The session aimed to introduce the country as it assumes the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025.
Philemon Yang, the President of the General Assembly, highlighted the pivotal role of the G20 in advancing global development targets. He pointed out that as efforts to implement the Pact of the Future progress, the G20’s involvement is essential to tackle inequalities, secure increased resources, and enhance the terms of development lending.
Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and UN Group of 20 Sherpa, underscored the G20’s significance in addressing climate action. He stated that the G20, representing the world’s leading economies, has a crucial role in the global effort to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. Li also noted that South Africa’s presidency provides an opportunity to strengthen collective action for a successful COP30, with a focus on partnerships like the Just Energy Transition Partnership.
South Africa’s theme for its G20 Presidency is “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” Speaking to the UN plenary, Dangor expanded on this vision, emphasizing the need for a people-centered, development-oriented, and inclusive future. He underscored the importance of fairness and equality, advocating for equal opportunities and advancement for all. Dangor also stressed South Africa’s dedication to sustainability, outlining plans to increase disaster resilience and ensure debt sustainability for low-income countries. The high cost of capital for African and developing nations was highlighted as a challenge, with a strategy to address this barrier to development being considered.
Additionally, Dangor addressed South Africa’s focus on financing just energy transitions and the strategic use of critical minerals for sustainable growth. The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 was also welcomed as a significant step to amplify Africa’s voice in global economic governance. Dangor emphasized the need to integrate Africa’s development priorities and the concerns of the Global South into the G20’s agenda.
The G20, consisting of 19 countries and two regional unions (the European Union and the African Union), represents 85% of the global economy, 75% of world trade, and 67% of the global population. With South Africa leading the G20, there is a strong expectation for a term that prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and equitable development for all.
Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/03/24/south-africas-g20-sherpa-briefs-un-plenary-on-key-priorities/
