Brazil Officially Transfers G20 Presidency To South Africa At Rio Summit

Brazil officially handed over the G20 Presidency to South Africa during the closing ceremony of the annual summit in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.

The handover ceremony was carried out by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. South Africa will make history as the first African country to lead the G20, with about 130 meetings planned for 2025.

"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, SA News reported. "South Africa firmly believes that civil society serves as a bridge between the G20 leaders and the people who have the greatest interest in their deliberations."

The president pledged to continue using this innovative platform for engagement throughout South Africa's Presidency. He expressed confidence that the efforts made during Brazil's Presidency addressed some of the world's most pressing global issues.

Ramaphosa highlighted the greater focus on the development needs of developing countries and mentioned that South Africa would build on the progress already made.

The president praised all G20 members, led by Brazil, for finalizing the G20 Rio de Janeiro Leaders' Declaration, which outlines the actions needed to build a better world. He also appreciated that once enough agreement was reached on the declaration, the remaining members with disagreements did not block its adoption.

He emphasized South Africa's commitment to advancing the G20's efforts to boost global economic growth and sustainable development, assuring that South Africa would work to ensure no one is left behind.

South Africa would focus on strengthening the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future. Through its G20 Presidency, South Africa aims to strengthen global solidarity, as per the president.

Ramaphosa stressed the importance of standing together with people facing hardship and suffering, whether in Gaza, Sudan or Ukraine.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the wealth and development gaps within and between countries are unfair and unsustainable. These gaps are evident in the lack of reliable and sustainable financing for climate action.

He expressed his support for nations who are most vulnerable to pandemics and other global public health crises, highlighting that many countries in Africa are currently facing mpox outbreaks that require urgent international action.

He stressed that through the country's G20 Presidency, they will address inequality, a major threat to global economic growth and stability.

"The disparities in wealth and development within and between countries are unjust and unsustainable. These disparities show themselves in the lack of predictable and sustainable financing and capacity building for climate action."

He said they were using the moment to firmly place the development priorities of the African continent and the Global South on the G20 agenda.

The focus areas include inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, inequality and food security.

"South Africa looks forward to working with all G20 members and invited guests and I am honoured to welcome you all to South Africa in the year ahead."