By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

The G20 Leader’s Summit is currently underway at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg as various leaders around the globe congregate at this Summit under the guided theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.” 

The proceedings began with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile ushering in the arrival of dignitaries as he shook hands with each of them before handing the duty over to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

 Ramaphosa then began to address the leaders with a welcoming speech highlighting the aims of what the leaders hope to achieve through this congregation. One of the aims that Ramaphosa highlighted is engaging on matters regarding trade, sustainable development, health, education, climate change, agriculture and energy.

 “Through solidarity, we can create an inclusive future that advances the interests of people around the world who are at the greatest risk of being left behind, this is important in an interconnected world” said Ramaphosa in his address. 

Ramaphosa also highlighted the disparities in wealth and development between various countries in the world and aims to use this G20 to advance development and equality specifically for African countries on the global stage.

 “It is essential that we break down divisions of economic status, of gender, of race and geography. Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” added Ramaphosa. 

Ramaphosa also used his speech to shed light on geopolitical tensions, global warming and food insecurity and expressed that the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals are imperative to combatting these global disparities.

 “We must use this framework to catalyse development investments at scale in developing economy countries. We must continue the reform of the international financial architecture, ensuring that institutions are strengthened and more inclusive” said Ramaphosa in his address.

 Another key point that Ramaphosa highlighted is the “importance of harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth.” He explained that a big way to achieve sustainable growth is through beneficiation of the minerals at the place of extraction. 

Ramaphosa says through this G20 South Africa will put forth issues surrounding economic growth, industrialisation, inequality, unemployment, security and artificial intelligence (AI). 

Ramphosa then closed his speech,  by opening up the G20 as the first session will speak on inclusive and sustainable economic growth as well as financing for development which will be expressed through presentations from relevant experts.