G20 Foreign Ministers Convene in South Africa Amidst Global Challenges

Foreign ministers from the G20 nations gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, this week to address pressing global issues ranging from economic stability and climate change to international conflicts, Al Jazeera reports.

The meeting, held under the South African presidency, aimed to foster dialogue and cooperation among the world’s leading economies.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, in his opening address, emphasized the importance of multilateralism and adherence to international law in navigating complex global challenges. He acknowledged the existing differences within the G20 but urged member states to find common ground through constructive engagement.

“It is critical that the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism and international law should remain at the centre of all our endeavours. It should be the glue that keeps us together,” Ramaphosa stated. “As the G20, we must continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions to conflicts.”

While most G20 nations were represented, the United States did not attend. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was present at the meeting, participating in discussions alongside representatives from European Union countries and other G20 member states.

Discussions at the meeting were expected to cover a wide range of topics, including sustainable development, energy security, and global health. The ongoing conflicts in various regions, including Eastern Europe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, the Sahel, and Gaza, were also addressed, with calls for diplomatic solutions to alleviate human suffering and promote stability.

Ramaphosa reminded the attendees “that cooperation is our greatest strength.”

“Let us seek to find common ground through constructive engagement,” he said.

The G20, comprising 19 countries plus the European Union and the African Union, represents a significant portion of the global economy and plays a vital role in shaping international policy.