Ramaphosa to use WEF to reaffirm SA's G20 Presidency
At the centre of this agenda is the promotion of cooperation among G20 countries and other countries on the most pressing issues facing the world.
FILE: President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his 2023 State of the Nation Address. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will use the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland this week to outline South Africa's priorities for its G20 Presidency.
At the centre of this agenda is the promotion of cooperation among G20 countries and other countries on the most pressing issues facing the world.
Several world leaders will be giving the annual meeting in Davos a miss this year, while incoming US president Donald Trump who will be inaugurated in Washington on Monday is set to deliver a video message on Thursday.
President Ramaphosa says G20 cooperation should not only take place between governments - but should include all social formations.
READ: Ramaphosa wants SA to use G20 presidency to strive for equal opportunities for all
As in previous G20 presidencies, Ramaphosa said dialogue with civil society and other non-government institutions will be conducted through various engagement groups.
This will include sectors such as business, labour, civil society, parliamentary bodies and the judiciary.
Continuing with the Brazilian approach, South Africa will also be convening a G20 social forum to bring civil society groups together.
Ramaphosa said one of the messages he will be taking to the WEF in Davos is SA's ongoing commitment to partnerships in pursuit of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
He said he would encourage greater emphasis on partnerships in international relations and would make a call for global companies to partner with governments, entrepreneurs and others in emerging markets to achieve this goal.