UN Chief Urges G20 Action on Global Challenges During South Africa Visit
JOHANNESBURG – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres concluded a three-day visit to Johannesburg, South africa, on November 23, engaging with world leaders at the annual Group of 20 (G20) summit and advocating for solutions to pressing global economic and climate challenges. Arriving on November 21, Guterres emphasized the G20’s potential to “ease suffering, ensure that economic growth is widely shared and set our world on a better, more peaceful course for the future.”
Following his arrival, the Secretary-General held a press encounter and participated in a live interview with Sherwin Brice-Pease of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
During the summit’s first session on november 22, focused on “Inclusive and enduring economic growth leaving no one behind,” Guterres asserted that inclusive economic growth is “the best weapon we have in fighting poverty, hunger and unemployment.” He cautioned, though, that growth prospects, notably in africa, have been hampered by recent crises, increased borrowing costs, geopolitical tensions, and rising trade barriers. He called for support to help countries diversify beyond commodity dependence and integrate into global value chains, particularly in the digital, green, and service economies.
The second session on November 22 addressed building a “Resilient World,” with Guterres highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa,despite the continent’s minimal contribution to the problem. He stressed the need for G20 leadership and support in building resilience for both people and the planet.
On November 23, Guterres held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali before addressing the final G20 session, titled “A Fair and Just Future for All.” He warned that the global economy is at a critical juncture, driven by the rapid growth of industries like artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
The Secretary-general departed Johannesburg on the afternoon of November 23, having urged the world’s largest economies to address critical issues ranging from debt burdens to climate resilience and the equitable distribution of benefits from emerging technologies.
