Ramaphosa at G20: Global Wealth Gaps ‘Unjust and Unsustainable,’ Calls for Inclusive Growth and Solidarity
South African President Ramaphosa urges G20 leaders to tackle global inequality and promote inclusive growth.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, highlighted the stark disparities in wealth and development both within countries and globally as "unjust and unsustainable." Speaking to around 40 heads of state, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ramaphosa stressed that these inequalities represent one of the biggest obstacles to worldwide economic growth and social stability.
Ramaphosa called for urgent action to break down divisions based on economic status, gender, race, and geography, emphasizing that true sustainability must meet present needs without compromising the future generations. As a founding member of the G20, South Africa has championed the interests of the Global South and the African continent, insisting that their development priorities be permanently reflected on the G20 agenda. These issues are critical not only for Africa but also for promoting global peace, security, and equitable resource management.
He outlined the compounded threats facing humanity today, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, pandemics, energy and food insecurity, unemployment, and extreme poverty. To counter these challenges, Ramaphosa urged accelerated progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and welcomed the Sevilla Commitment—a global framework aimed at catalyzing scaled-up investment in developing economies.
Among South Africa’s four high-level priorities during its G20 presidency are enhancing disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for just energy transitions, and leveraging critical minerals for inclusive growth. Inclusive economic growth, industrialization, food security, employment, reducing inequality, and harnessing technology such as artificial intelligence also remain key focus areas.
Amid the absence of US President Donald Trump from the summit and Washington’s request to hand over the presidency to a junior diplomat, Ramaphosa reaffirmed the importance of preserving the G20’s credibility and unity. "We will keep fast to our solemn pledge to leave no person, no community, and no country behind," he declared, emphasizing the summit’s theme of solidarity, equality, and sustainability as essential to shaping a stable and prosperous future for all.
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