Minister Ronald Lamola Calls for Renewed G20 Focus on Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability at UNGA Side Event
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called on Group of 20 (G20) nations to step up their efforts in building a more inclusive world, stressing the need for solidarity, equality, and sustainability to drive global growth that benefits everyone. Speaking at the International Peace Institute’s (IPI) annual event on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 23 September 2025, Lamola outlined South Africa’s key priorities as the current G20 chair.
He drew on the African philosophy of ubuntu and the UN’s goal of leaving no one behind to guide the country’s leadership in the forum. This comes as South Africa takes the helm of the G20 for the first time, aiming to put Africa’s voice at the centre of talks on pressing global issues like climate change, debt, and economic inequality. With the world facing tough challenges, Lamola’s message highlights how stronger partnerships can help build a fairer future for developing nations.
South Africa’s G20 presidency, which started on 1 December 2024, is a big moment for the continent. It follows Brazil’s term and comes before the United States takes over in 2026. The theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability’ reflects the need to work together to tackle problems that hit poorer countries hardest. Lamola’s speech at the IPI event, co-hosted with South Africa, focused on Africa’s role in the global order, showing how the G20 can be a tool for real change.
South Africa’s G20 Priorities: Tackling Africa’s Biggest Challenges
Lamola explained that South Africa’s leadership in the G20 is shaped by the idea of ubuntu, which means ‘I am because we are’. This ties into the UN’s promise to leave no one behind, making sure growth helps everyone. The core theme of the presidency is ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability’, with four main priorities to fix problems that hold Africa back.
“These priorities include strengthening disaster resilience; ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries; mobilising finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth,” Lamola said. These goals aim to help Africa deal with disasters like floods and droughts, which are getting worse because of climate change. They also focus on reducing the heavy debt that many African countries carry, making it hard to invest in things like schools and hospitals.
Another big focus is getting money for a fair shift to clean energy, helping countries move away from coal without leaving workers behind. Finally, using Africa’s rich minerals like lithium and cobalt in a way that creates jobs and growth for locals, not just big companies. Lamola warned that if these issues are not fixed, exploitation, inequality, and poverty will keep holding people back. “We have a shared responsibility to provide stewardship, to raise ambition, and to secure tangible outcomes for future generations,” he added.
These priorities build on South Africa’s past work in the G20, where it has pushed for reforms in global finance to give developing countries a bigger say. As the only African member until the African Union joined in 2023, South Africa has long spoken for the continent’s needs.
Recent Global Wins and Upcoming Summits: Building Momentum
Lamola pointed to recent steps forward, like the Seville Commitment on financing for development, agreed at a meeting in Spain earlier in 2025. This deal aims to get more money flowing to poor countries to help them grow. He also mentioned key upcoming events, such as the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) on climate change in Brazil in November 2025, and the World Summit for Social Development in Qatar in the same month. These gatherings are chances for G20 countries to make real promises on issues like climate action and reducing poverty.
South Africa’s G20 year will end with a leaders’ summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, where heads of state will discuss these priorities. The presidency has already held meetings, like the sherpas’ gathering in Sun City in June 2025, to build agreement. Lamola’s team is working to make sure Africa’s views shape the final outcomes, focusing on fair trade, debt relief, and green investments.
Strengthening Ties with the US and Beyond: A Call for Partnership
Lamola is also joining the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the UN on 25 September 2025 to keep pushing for agreement on global economic issues. This follows his talks with US officials on trade, where he called for renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to keep duty-free access for African exports.
South Africa’s role in the G20 shows its growing influence in world affairs. As a bridge between rich and poor countries, it pushes for changes in bodies like the World Bank and IMF to give Africa more power. The addition of the African Union as a full member in 2023 has strengthened this voice, letting the continent speak as one on big issues.
A United Front for a Better World
Lamola ended by calling on G20 nations to act together. “We must not normalise exploitation, inequality and poverty,” he said. His words remind everyone that the G20 is about more than meetings – it’s about making life better for people everywhere. As South Africa leads, it has a chance to show how Africa can help solve global problems, from climate change to unfair trade.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za