Ekurhuleni: Brazil's Minister of Human Rights, Maca© Evaristo, has praised South Africa for its commitment to expanding the G20 Social Summit, originally initiated by Brazil, which aims to prioritize human dignity and civil society within the framework of the world's leading economic forum.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister delivered her remarks at the closing ceremony of the G20 Social Summit in Ekurhuleni. The summit, which first took place in Brazil during its G20 Presidency in 2024, was highlighted as a pivotal moment for integrating a social focus alongside existing political and financial agendas.
Minister Evaristo expressed her satisfaction with South Africa's adoption and expansion of the initiative, inviting future G20 presidencies to continue this approach. She emphasized that civil society must not be a passive entity but should actively engage in the decision-making processes of the G20. The Minister stressed that social development, inclusion, and equity must be central to global governance discussions.
She highlighted the theme chosen by South Africa for its presidency, "Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability," as a clear expression of this commitment. Evaristo pointed out the importance of grassroots movements in turning social concepts into reality, drawing parallels to South Africa's historical struggle against apartheid and the ongoing marginalization of vulnerable communities worldwide.
Minister Evaristo called for the integration of diverse voices and dialogue within the G20 Social Summit, viewing it as essential for addressing global inequities. She invoked the spirit of former President Nelson Mandela to emphasize the importance of inclusive participation in political negotiations and global governance.
In conclusion, she underscored the necessity of combining political, financial, and social pillars to reflect the struggles of the people and stressed the importance of solidarity, equality, and sustainability in decision-making processes at the global level.