South Africa supports Brazil’s focus on social inclusion, fight against hunger at G20

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) – South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday that his country fully supports Brazil's presidency of the Group of 20 leading economies (G20), which focuses on social inclusion and the fight against hunger.

“It is only through an integrated and comprehensive system of social support that we will be able to assist the most vulnerable in society,” Ramaphosa said in a statement at the G20 Leaders’ summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Earlier, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva opened the G20 Leaders' summit with remarks in which he lamented rising global tensions and armed conflicts while also launching an initiative to end global hunger.

According to the World Bank, nearly 700 million people are currently living in extreme poverty, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 67%.

Ramaphosa said countries with developing economies face declining growth prospects, decreasing investments, and rising debt.

He said, “These challenges have the potential to derail development gains and progress made toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

He urged world leaders to redouble their efforts to eliminate poverty and hunger, as well as to advance gender equality and overcome the global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and pollution.

The South African leader, whose country will assume the G20 presidency on Dec. 1, said for the past 30 years, his nation has dedicated significant effort and resources to alleviating poverty and reducing inequality.

“Through its substantial social protection programs, our government has provided vital support to millions of South Africans, lifting many out of extreme poverty and ensuring that our communities meet most of their basic needs,” he said.

Ramaphosa said during South Africa’s G20 presidency, food security will be one of the top priorities.

“As the G20, we need to ensure that the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals remains at the forefront of international financing decisions,” he said.