South Africa’s Disappointment at G20 Talks Amid Key Officials’ Absences

South Africa’s G20 talks ended in disarray as key finance officials skipped the meetings, resulting in no consensus reached. The discussions highlighted significant divisions on climate finance and were overshadowed by the absence of finance leaders from major powers. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation amidst geopolitical strains, urging unity in climate action efforts to support developing nations.

South Africa expressed disappointment following the G20 discussions it hosted on global economic concerns, which concluded without any consensus. This two-day meeting in Cape Town failed to produce a joint communique, highlighting significant disparities among delegations on crucial topics like climate finance, especially after notable absences from key finance leaders, including those from the United States and China.

The host’s “chair’s summary” reiterated a commitment to combating protectionism and promoting a fair, inclusive, and multilateral trading system. However, absent finance ministers from major economies raised concerns regarding the stalled discussions, revealing further divisions within the G20 due to geopolitical tensions and challenges in cooperation, particularly regarding aid cuts.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the need for continued investment in international cooperation during his opening remarks, emphasizing that the decline of multilateralism poses risks to global economic stability. He articulated the importance of a rules-based international order for managing geopolitical disputes, especially in this era of increased global competition.

Ramaphosa also noted South Africa’s G20 presidency objectives, specifically the support for developing countries in their transitions to low-carbon economies, despite a rollback in support from major Western economies. This initiative underscores the ongoing tension between climate goals and political frameworks among G20 members.

Concerns were raised by Vumile Senene, the country lead for the Clean Air Fund, regarding the potential decline of momentum in climate action due to competing global priorities. He underscored the correlation between climate issues, air quality, and public health, urging for sustained focus on minimizing air pollution that poses threats to health across Africa.

Looking forward, Ramaphosa has called on G20 members to align in setting ambitious climate action targets ahead of the upcoming UN climate negotiations in Brazil. He advocates for increased financial support for energy transitions in developing nations and encourages further development of carbon markets to mitigate climate change effects.

In summary, South Africa’s G20 discussions faced significant challenges due to the absence of key officials and divergent stances on critical issues like climate finance. President Ramaphosa urged for sustained multilateral cooperation, highlighting the risks posed by reduced support for climate initiatives amid geopolitical tensions. As South Africa leads by prioritizing climate action, the nation calls for cohesive efforts among G20 members to address pressing climate challenges effectively.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr