Ramaphosa Affirms African Agenda at G20 Summit Finale

President Cyril Ramaphosa used his closing remarks at the G20 Leaders Summit to thank delegates for their co-operation, saying: “Your commitment has been vital in reaffirming the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation.”

He noted that South Africa’s Presidency marked the first time the summit was hosted on African soil and said the South African chairship sought to: “place Africa’s growth and development at the heart of the G20’s agenda.”

Turning to global economic pressures, the President warned that rising debt in developing nations: “is a major obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

He highlighted climate related risks and pointed to the introduction of High Level Voluntary Principles for Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction as evidence that G20 members are committed to resilience and long term planning.

Ramaphosa emphasised that the group had recommitted itself to supporting low- and middle-income countries, describing the goal as creating: “a virtuous cycle of reduced debt, higher public investment and more rapid and inclusive economic growth.”

He said the summit represented more than declarations and instead reflected: “a commitment to concrete actions that will improve the lives of people in every part of the world.”

The President closed by urging unity of purpose. “Through partnerships across society, and by remembering our common humanity, we can create a more secure, a more just and a more prosperous world,” he said.