G20 development leaders gather in Kruger for landmark meeting
The continent's inaugural G20 Development Working Group (DWG) Ministerial Meeting was held at the Skukuza Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park from July 24 to 25.
The meeting was led by South Africa's delegation, represented by Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, and Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai.
Convened under the theme of South Africa's G20 presidency, 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability', the gathering brought together ministers responsible for development, senior officials from G20 member and invited countries and heads of international organisations.
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In her opening remarks, Ramokgopa highlighted the significance of hosting the DWG ministerial meeting on African soil, and emphasised the need for collective action to address global challenges.
'The challenges we face – from climate change and fragile supply chains and persistent inequality – cannot be solved in isolation. South Africa's G20 presidency is not just about hosting meetings. It's about shifting the centre of gravity in global dialogue, placing people and planet at the heart of development,' she said.
Ramokgopa added that the meeting had achieved several landmark outcomes.'From tackling illicit finance to advancing inclusive social protection, these agreements reflect not only what we stand for, but what we stand to gain when we act together.'
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The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, said the meeting also served as part of the build-up to the G20 Summit, scheduled for November.
'With our province's economy rooted in agriculture, mining and tourism, hosting events of this magnitude delivers a significant financial injection – stimulating local economic activity and creating much-needed jobs,' Ndlovu said.
He added that the conversations held during the meeting would help shape global policy and place South Africa firmly in the historical spotlight, as the decisions taken here would resonate far beyond its borders.
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