ON September 9, the G20 became G21. During the opening session of the landmark New Delhi summit, African Union was accepted as the 21st member of the grouping. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa celebrated the African Union’s new permanent membership status within G20.
This momentous occasion underscored President Ramaphosa’s collaborative efforts with India, marking a substantial step towards enhancing global inclusivity.
President Ramaphosa utilised this platform to advocate for the expansion of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, aligning his stance with the principles outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development (AAAA).
Financing development
The AAAA, first introduced in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2015, serves as a comprehensive framework for financing sustainable development. Its alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a key aspect of its significance.
President Ramaphosa underlined the importance of low-carbon, climate-resilient, and sustainable societies. However, he also acknowledged the unique challenges faced by African nations as they strive to fulfil their climate commitments while grappling with persistent issues like poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
President Ramaphosa further emphasised that developing economies, despite their secondary contributions to climate change, bear a disproportionate burden.
Taking to social media President Ramaphosa wrote, “Climate change, environmental degradation, unsustainable consumption and production, and resource scarcity are challenges that can only be addressed collectively and with a great deal of solidarity.”
The AAAA emphasises the mobilisation of domestic resources as a primary means to finance sustainable development. It envisions these resources as instrumental in establishing effective institutions to drive sustainable development, enhance government accountability to communities, and reduce dependence on foreign aid.
