South Africa’s G20 talks ended without consensus due to the absence of key officials from several countries amid growing geopolitical tensions. President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored the necessity of multilateral cooperation and emphasized efforts to support sustainable transitions for developing nations. Vumile Senene from the Clean Air Fund raised alarms about the repercussions of air pollution and climate change in Africa. Looking forward, South Africa aims to set ambitious climate targets for upcoming UN climate talks.
South Africa expressed disappointment following the G20 discussions it hosted, which concluded without reaching a consensus due to the absence of key officials from several countries, including the United States, China, India, and Japan. The two-day meeting in Cape Town, involving finance ministers and central bankers, failed to produce a joint communique despite a ‘chair’s summary’ stating a commitment to resist protectionism and promote a fair multilateral trading system.
The meeting was notably impacted by the absence of several crucial finance ministers and heightened geopolitical tensions, as countries like the United States and Britain announced cuts to foreign aid. Despite these challenges, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need for continued cooperation, warning that the decline of multilateralism threatens global growth and stability.
During his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa articulated that a rules-based international order is vital for managing conflicts and disputes in the current geopolitical landscape. He proclaimed that South Africa’s G20 presidency will focus on aiding developing nations in transitioning to low-carbon economies, even amid a significant reduction in support from the United States.
Vumile Senene, the country lead for the Clean Air Fund, expressed concerns about the potential waning momentum on climate issues and the harmful effects of air pollution on public health and the economy. He noted that there is a growing understanding of air pollution’s impact in Africa, but emphasized the need for increased awareness and advocacy surrounding climate change and its related effects in the region.
Looking ahead, South Africa advocates for G20 countries to establish ambitious climate targets in preparation for the upcoming UN climate discussions in Brazil. President Ramaphosa called for enhanced concessional funding to support energy transitions in developing nations and to protect less polluting countries from the adverse effects of climate change, alongside the development of carbon markets.
In summary, the recent G20 meeting in South Africa highlighted significant divisions among member countries, particularly regarding climate finance and cooperation. The absence of key finance officials impeded consensus-building efforts, prompting concerns about the future of multilateral initiatives. South Africa remains committed to climate action and is urging other nations to prioritize support for developing countries in their sustainable transitions, as the focus shifts towards the next UN climate negotiations.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
