South Africa expressed disappointment over the unsuccessful G20 talks in Cape Town, where many key finance officials, including those from the U.S. and China, did not attend. The meeting lacked a joint communique, highlighting divisions on topic like climate finance. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized multilateral cooperation while discussing the need for funding for developing nations’ energy transitions amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
South Africa expressed disappointment over the lack of consensus at the recent G20 meeting in Cape Town, where many key officials from major economies, including the U.S., China, India, and Japan, were absent. This absence contributed to the inability to issue a joint communique, though a “chair’s summary” highlighted commitments to resisting protectionism and supporting a transparent trading system. The talks were influenced by geopolitical tensions and cuts in foreign aid by several nations, raising concerns over international cooperation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of multilateralism in fostering global growth during his opening speech. He stressed that a rules-based order is crucial for managing disputes amid current geopolitical tensions. South Africa’s presidency aims to focus on financing for developing countries as they transition to low-carbon economies, despite reduced U.S. support.
Vumile Senene, representing the Clean Air Fund, voiced concerns about preserving momentum on climate initiatives, emphasizing that pressing global issues could hinder progress. He highlighted the health risks posed by high levels of air pollution in Africa, urging for increased awareness and policy action on climate change and air quality.
Looking forward, Ramaphosa called on G20 members to set ambitious climate action targets ahead of the upcoming UN climate talks in Brazil. He advocated for greater funding to assist lower-emission countries in mitigating climate impacts and the development of carbon markets to support energy transitions in developing nations.
The G20 talks in South Africa underscored a significant divide among global economies on critical issues, particularly climate change financing and multilateral cooperation. The absence of key finance leaders and geopolitical tensions complicated discussions, reflecting a broader challenge in achieving consensus. South Africa is committed to advancing climate action and ensuring that development needs are addressed despite the complexities of the current global landscape.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
