Luanda: President Cyril Ramaphosa has championed multilateralism as key to resolving global challenges. The President was delivering remarks at the 7th African Union-European Union Summit held at Luanda, Angola. He emphasized the importance of multilateralism in addressing historical injustices and building a better future, in line with the African Union's theme for this year: Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President highlighted that the multilateral system is under significant pressure due to geopolitical rivalry, which continues to challenge the rules-based international order. He reiterated South Africa's stance that global challenges are best addressed through multilateralism, anchored on the principles of the United Nations Charter.
President Ramaphosa called for significant reforms within the United Nations to enhance multilateralism, emphasizing the need to transform global financial structures and international trade systems to improve sustainability, efficiency, inclusiveness, and representation for developing economy countries. He noted that more than two-thirds of UN General Assembly Member States lack permanent representation on the Security Council and advocated for advancing Africa's position as per the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
Reflecting on the G20 Leaders' Summit held recently, President Ramaphosa mentioned that the summit declaration tackled issues such as global trade inequality, mounting sovereign debt, and cuts in overseas development assistance. The declaration reinforced commitments to support low- and middle-income countries in addressing debt vulnerabilities and affirmed the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system centered on the WTO.
The President emphasized that the G20 leaders recognized the necessity for comprehensive WTO reform to better serve the objectives of all its members. He stated that a stable and predictable global trade system fosters confidence among governments, exporters, and workers worldwide. The proposed reforms should focus on development and address persistent development gaps, enabling developing economies to pursue legitimate public policy measures that promote industrialization and diversification.
President Ramaphosa urged the African Union and European Union to strengthen ties as their partnership marks its 25th anniversary. He highlighted the opportunity to champion Africa's Agenda 2063 and its Second Ten Year Implementation Plan, with a particular focus on youth and women empowerment. He concluded by stressing the importance of deepening economic, social, and political integration across the African continent.