South Africa Criticizes G20 Outcome Amid Key Official Absences

South Africa lamented the lack of consensus at the recent G20 meeting in Cape Town, which saw notable absences from key officials of major economies. President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of multilateralism and called for increased support for climate action, particularly for developing nations. As air pollution poses a significant health risk in urban Africa, the G20 presidency aims to maintain focus on sustainability and cooperation moving forward.

South Africa expressed disappointment regarding the recent G20 discussions, hosted in Cape Town, which concluded without a unified agreement. This lack of consensus was attributed to the absence of key officials from several nations, which hindered effective dialogue on pressing issues such as climate finance. The meeting, which lasted two days, did not produce a formal joint communiqué, though a “chair’s summary” reiterated commitments to resisting protectionism and emphasized support for a fair and inclusive multilateral trading system.

Despite the absence of significant finance ministers from countries like the United States, China, India, and Japan, the gathering proceeded, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa urged participants to maintain collaborative efforts even in light of absent U.S. representatives. He warned that the decline of multilateralism poses risks to global economic stability and growth, highlighting the need for a rules-based order to manage international conflicts.

As the G20 assumes a vital role in addressing economic challenges, South Africa aims to prioritize assistance for developing countries transitioning to low-carbon economies amidst reduced U.S. support. Vumile Senene, of the Clean Air Fund, expressed concerns that the progress achieved in climate action may diminish due to competing global priorities. He emphasized the critical connections between climate change, air pollution, and public health, advocating for sustained focus on these issues during G20 discussions.

Looking into the future, South Africa seeks to encourage fellow G20 members to establish ambitious climate action targets ahead of the upcoming UN climate talks in Brazil. In his statements, President Ramaphosa called for increased concessional funding for energy transitions in developing nations and additional support for those facing severe impacts from climate change. Remarkably, African urban areas remain plagued by air pollution levels exceeding WHO standards, underscoring the urgency for action in these areas.

In summary, South Africa’s G20 meeting highlighted critical global economic issues yet ended without consensus, exacerbated by the absence of major officials. The country remains committed to addressing climate finance and fostering a cooperative international climate agenda. Despite challenges, there is hope for continued dialogue and action to confront pressing environmental concerns, particularly in developing nations.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr