South Africa has become the first African country to assume the presidency of the G20, a significant milestone for the continent’s global representation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa accepted the leadership role during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday.

“It is an honor to accept, on behalf of the people of South Africa, the responsibility of the presidency of the G20 for the next year,” Ramaphosa said during his address. The presidency will officially begin on December 1 and run for a year.

President Ramaphosa announced that South Africa’s G20 leadership will prioritize inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, and addressing global inequality. Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” he outlined plans to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Pact for the Future.

“Whether it is in Gaza, Sudan, or Ukraine, we must all stand in solidarity with those people who are facing hardship and suffering,” Ramaphosa emphasized. He urged G20 nations to support vulnerable countries in addressing pandemics and global public health emergencies.

In a landmark move, Ramaphosa pledged to bring Africa's and the Global South’s development priorities to the forefront of the G20 agenda. Highlighting inequality as a major threat to global economic stability, he called for collective action to address this pressing issue.

South Africa’s leadership marks a critical moment for African representation, following the African Union’s induction as a permanent G20 member during the bloc’s summit in New Delhi last year.

The G20 presidency allows South Africa to influence key global decisions on economic policy, climate action, and development initiatives. As the first African nation to hold this position, South Africa aims to amplify the voices of developing countries and advocate for a more equitable global order.

The year-long term is expected to shape discussions around global challenges and the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive solutions that reflect the interests of nations across all continents. (ILKHA)