With slightly over five years remaining until the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola emphasized the pivotal role of the Group of 20 (G20) in promoting collaboration to reach these objectives.
During the first day of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg, Lamola underscored the necessity for worldwide cooperation. Pointing to a disheartening report on SDGs progress, he advocated for a shift in strategy, urging the global community to devise solutions to expedite advancement. "It is evident that in the lead-up to 2030, the upcoming five presidencies of the G20 must prioritize hastening progress towards the attainment of SDGs,"Lamola emphasized.
Amidst a pivotal moment characterized by challenges such as supply chain disruptions, trade limitations, and economic coercion through unilateral sanctions, Lamola noted that the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting was taking place. He highlighted that the escalating trade conflicts, political intolerance, and persistent conflicts were indicative of broader global instability.
The crucial question posed was whether these tensions would lead to a detrimental downward spiral or if efforts would be directed towards mutual resilience, strategic alliances, and adaptable trade policies that foster global welfare and preserve prosperity, Lamola pondered.
Lamola addressed the deteriorating geopolitical landscape, emphasizing that it was fostering distrust and jeopardizing endeavors against poverty, climate change, and pandemics, among other critical issues. While the G20's focus is on global economic collaboration, he acknowledged that these matters were impacting the worldwide economy.
"It is imperative that we, as the G20, endorse the reinstatement of global equilibrium and shared objectives. To achieve this, we must reaffirm our commitment to the principles of unity, parity, and sustainability by underscoring the importance of dialogue, multilateralism, and seeking common ground to tackle global challenges,"Lamola asserted.
Under the G20 presidency theme of "Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,"Lamola disclosed that South Africa is poised to address these challenges. He also expressed the country's dedication to enhancing international relations and cooperation. (Source: Xinhua)