Africa should use G20 to realise sustainable peace, stability - Mashatile

SOUTH Africa’s G20 presidency provides the continent with an “unprecedented opportunity” to highlight the African Agenda and the concerns of the Global South inside the world's foremost platform for international economic cooperation, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile. 

Mashatile officially opened the three-day G20 Social Summit which brings together civil society voices and is the precursor to the two-day G20 Leaders' Summit.

He said the gathering should be used to raise awareness, enhance accountability, and coordinate effective action. 

Mashatile further advocated for Africa to realise sustainable peace and stability and true independence, adding that instability has kept Africa on the economic backfoot.

"We believe it is time for Africa to advocate for lasting solutions and lasting peace and commitment to resolving conflicts through negotiated political settlement. When we achieve peace and political stability, we as Africans are better positioned to secure sustainable financing, debt relief, fairer trades and a stronger representation," he said.

On the continent's battle with inequality and other socio-economic challenges, he said:"We urge the international community to address the enduring and emergent obstacles to gender equality with renewed urgency, solidarity, and innovation."

The opening address was also attended by co-conveners, former Deputy President Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, and other local and international leaders.

As the host, South Africa has called for an inclusive and collaborative G20 platform to amplify the voices of civil society, grassroots organisations, communities, and the continent.

“The foundation of South Africa's G20 Presidency is its commitment to strengthening and reforming the international financial architecture, as well as deepening international economic cooperation. That forms part of the efforts to address the North-South divide, and the persistent poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, especially in the developing world.

“What is equally crucial is that the G20 Social Summit presents South Africa with a strategic opportunity to frame global policy discussions around young people's capacities to drive inclusive economic development, inclusion and sustainability, he said. 

Amid calls for Africa to rise, Dr William Carew, representing the African Union's Economic, Social and Cultural Council, said: “We are no longer content to be observers of our own destiny, but we are builders of a new global war....It is time for Africa to author its own narrative. Africa owns 30% of the world's mineral reserves, possesses 60% of the world's arable land and is home to the youngest population on Earth, and yet we remain on the periphery of global economic decision making.”

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is expected to give an address at the summit tomorrow-the Social Summit concept was started by Brazil when it hosted the G20 last year.

Cape Times