South Africa Calls for Enhanced Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

New Delhi, India – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

In his statement during the Working Session I: One Earth, Ramaphosa said that the global reconstruction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, sustainable societies.

“Developing economies are bearing the brunt of climate change, despite carrying the least responsibility for this crisis,” he said. “As African and other developing economy countries, we face the task of meeting our climate commitments in the midst of significant developmental challenges like poverty, inequality and unemployment.”

Ramaphosa called for an enhanced Global Partnership for Sustainable Development that is supported by the concrete policies and actions outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development.

“Access to adequate and predictable financial resources from a variety of public and private sources is critical if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

He also called on development partners to meet their existing commitments and upscale Official Development Assistance.

“Ordinary people see billions of dollars being spent on the weapons of war instead of addressing development challenges,” he said. “In particular, development partners need to meet their commitments to capacity building and infrastructure development in low- and middle-income countries.”

Ramaphosa concluded by saying that no country is spared the effects of climate change, and that it is vital that we respond collectively, decisively and with urgency to this existential crisis.

“It is vital that industrialised countries, which have the means and which carry the greatest responsibility for climate change, support sustainable development in developing economies,” he said.

“For us to realise the vision of People, Planet and Prosperity, we need to meet our respective commitments and responsibilities. In so doing, we will be helping to create a world that is more equitable, more resilient and more sustainable.”

The G20 Leaders’ Summit is being held in New Delhi from September 9-10. The summit is expected to focus on issues such as climate change, economic recovery, and global security.