Saudi Arabia tops G20 countries in Safety Index
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia ranked first among G20 countries, according to data from the Global SDG Indicators Database and the Safety Index Publication for 2023 issued on Monday by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
The results showed that 92.6% of the Saudi population felt safe while walking alone at night in their residential areas.
The results clarified the role of the relevant state sectors in achieving security enjoyed by Saudi Arabia's residents in all regions and governorates.
This came in line with the efforts made to provide security, safety and a decent life in Saudi Arabia in many different areas, including economic, food, environmental, health, social, political, intellectual, technical and cyber security, to improve the services provided to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia is the first among the G20 in terms of the rise in the security index in the 2023 Sustainable Development Report.
The Safety Index Bulletin is one of the outputs of the Family Socio-Economic Survey that was implemented during 2023.
The survey includes a number of indicators that serve the economic, social and family fields in Saudi Arabia, and is concerned with calculating the percentage of the population who feel safe while walking alone in their residential areas.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Middle East Eye
8 hours ago
- Middle East Eye
Hamas objects to US clause over Gaza truce, citing risk of renewed Israeli strikes
Hamas has turned down a proposed amendment by the United States to the current ceasefire framework, saying the suggested language would give Israel a green light to restart its military campaign, according to Asharq Al Awsat. Citing sources close to the negotiations, the Saudi outlet reported that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff proposed a clause stating the ceasefire would remain in place 'as long as the negotiations are held in good faith.' Hamas objected to the phrase 'good faith,' arguing that its vague wording would allow Israel to justify resuming air and ground attacks at will. The talks have also stalled over disagreements on how humanitarian aid should be distributed in Gaza and where Israeli forces should be positioned during a potential truce. Israel wants the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to oversee aid delivery, while Hamas insists international organisations take charge. Additionally, Hamas is demanding Israeli troops pull back to the positions they held prior to the 18 March escalation—something Israeli officials have refused, insisting their forces must remain in control of the territory currently held.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Leading in 2025: From regional consolidation to driving the Global Africa agenda
The global stage in 2025 will be defined by shifting power dynamics, economic uncertainty and heightened multipolarity; trends that are likely to intensify frag- mentation. For Africa, the combination of high debts, low growth and soaring borrowing costs underscores the urgency of foster- ing self-sufficiency, building productive capacity, and pursuing reforms in the global financial system. Against this backdrop, Africa finds itself uniquely positioned to leverage decades of strategic regional consolidation to assert its leadership on the glob- al stage. This moment offers the continent a rare chance to transition from a participant in inter- national dialogue to a principal architect of global economic and geopolitical frameworks. The African Continental Free Trade Area (Af- CFTA) Secretariat, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Africa Collective embarked on a partnership to organise the Africa Collective Davos Week on the margins of the World Economic Forum meeting from 20-24 January 2025, to advance African economic and investment topics there. Setting the scene: Africa's historic leadership in 2025 The year 2025 marks a watershed moment for African governance and global leadership. African representa- tion expanded in the BRICS bloc with new members including Egypt and Ethiopia. South Africa assumed the presidency of the G20. With the African Union (AU) now holding a permanent seat in this critical global forum, the opportunity is ripe for African ac- tors to play a central role in the B20 (the business coalition on the sidelines of the G20), amplifying the continent's strategic priorities in global economic discussions. While these milestones represent land- mark opportunities for Africa to shape international policy frameworks, from global financial architecture to climate action, regional consolidation efforts are laying further groundwork for this global influence. Through Agenda 2063, the AU has provided a long- term vision for transforming Africa into a prosperous, united, and influential continent and a major partner in global affairs. Various pan-African institutions are working towards driving transformative initiatives that consolidate regional efforts and position the continent as a formidable global player. Africa's leadership in 2025 is underpinned and ex- emplified by the work of key pan-African institutions such as Afreximbank, the AfCFTA Secretariat and oth- ers through platforms for policies, initiatives, projects and events. By launching transformative projects and initiatives, these pan-African institutions are building resilience and driving economic growth. Efforts facilitating intra-African trade There are several examples of pan-African institutions driving intra-African trade which are bridging policy and financing. It is worthwhile highlighting a num-ber of these initiatives that are changing the way in which African countries are trading with each other. The Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) was launched in October 2022 to initiate commercially meaningful trade under the AfCFTA. By April 2023 it had demon- strated practical results by facilitating trade across eight pilot countries, and by the end of October 2024 the number of participating countries had grown to 38 of the 54 state parties to the AfCFTA. Launched by Afreximbank, the $10bn AfCFTA Adjustment Fund assists countries in implementing agreed protocols and transitioning smoothly to the liberalised and integrated trading environment of the AfCFTA, equip- ping African businesses to adapt for meaningful en- gagement in the new trade framework and addressing infrastructure gaps as well as supply chain challenges. The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is a groundbreaking collaboration between the AU, Afreximbank, and the AfCFTA Secretariat. PAPSS is essential for enhancing economic integra- tion across Africa by enabling faster and more cost- effective transactions between countries, supporting the AfCFTA's goals and creating opportunities for businesses to grow across borders. Event platforms also play an important role in bolstering intra-African trade. Through its annual Business Forum, Biashara Afrika, the AfCFTA Secre- tariat provides a platform for the African public and private sectors, multinationals, and key stakeholders to engage in robust discussions around the intra- continental trade landscape. At the same time, the Intra-African Trade Fair, hosted by Afreximbank, connects businesses across the continent and stimu- lates investment. During the week-long fair, more than 2,000 exhibitors, including firms from the Af- rican continent and globally, showcase their goods and services to visitors and buyers while exploring opportunities and exchanging information. These activities are projected to translate into over $44bn in trade and investment deals. Collaborating on infrastructure and industry Afreximbank's industrial parks project points to its commitment to fostering local productivity and driv-ing industrialisation on the continent. In partnership with Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a pan-African developer and operator of industrial ecosystems, and the Republic of Malawi, the Bank initiated the con- struction of the Magwero Industrial Park in Lilongwe, an integrated industrial park set to accelerate the country's industrialisation. The Bank has also recently entered into an agree- ment with Arise IIP and Rieter AG to facilitate the implementation of the Africa Textile Renaissance Plan. By creating hubs for manufacturing and value-added production, these parks reduce dependency on raw material exports and bolster Africa's role in global supply chains. Public health The African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) remains a powerful example of coordination between pan- African institutions and the private sector, showcasing Africa's collective response to public health chal- lenges such as vaccine inequity. Established during the Covid-19 pandemic and spearheaded by the African Union, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Preven- tion (Africa CDC), and Afreximbank, and in collabo- ration with other public and private partners, AVAT secured millions of vaccine doses for the continent, demonstrating effective partnerships in mobilising and pooling resources and implementing effective solutions at scale. These collaborative efforts collectively strengthen the continent's economic resilience, empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and create a condu- cive environment for private sector growth. Seizing the global opportunity Africa's strategic leadership position on the global stage presents a remarkable opportunity to ensure that the continent's voice not only resonates in, but actively shapes, international discourse. Realising this potential and making the most of growing influence in 2025 and beyond will require even greater coordi- nation and collaboration between states, governance bodies and the public and private sectors. This moment offers a consolidated Africa the chance to foster strategic partnerships with global players and bring African solutions into global sys- tems. It also allows the continent to lead on critical global issues such as climate change, energy transition and global health. With vast renewable energy potential, Africa is uniquely positioned to contribute to the worldwide shift towards sustainability. While the opportunities are immense, the continent must address certain hurdles to take advantage of its rising prominence on the global stage. These include further aligning regional and national policies to cre- ate a seamless environment for trade and investment, prioritising transport, energy and digital infrastruc- ture to support industrialisation and connectivity, and equipping Africa's predominantly youthful workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a global economy. Africa stands at a pivotal moment of global recali- bration, poised to redefine its role from a continent of potential to a driver of international economic and political discourse. While much is yet to be achieved, it is clear that the continent is no longer waiting for opportunities – it is creating them. © Copyright IC Publications 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
South Africa: A fairer capital cost for emerging markets will be a boon for global economies
South Africa's 2025 presidency of the G20 comes at a moment of global instability. Volatility in financial markets, escalating geopolitical tensions, and chal- lenges to multilateralism have heightened the stakes for international cooperation. For South Africa, the first African nation to lead the G20, the challenge is immense – but so is the opportunity. President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to use the G20 to elevate the development priorities of Africa and all lower middle income countries. Central to these pri- orities is the urgent need to address the prohibitively high cost of capital. This is not merely a technical issue; it is a structural challenge that limits the ability of governments and businesses to invest in people, build resilience to cli- mate change and compete in the global economy. By tackling this issue head-on, South Africa has the potential to redefine the global financial architecture in ways that benefit not only Africa but the entire developing world. A crisis rooted in inequity In the decade leading up to 2022, Africa's debt stocks more than doubled, rising from $283bn to $655bn. Private creditors and multilateral institutions accounted for the largest increases in 2023, accounting for 38% and 35% of Africa's debt stocks respectively. In the same year China ac- counted for 12.4%. This debt accumulation was a logical response to historically low interest rates and the continent's massive infrastructure needs. For many African nations, borrow- ing was not reckless but necessary. However, the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything. As revenues from tourism and remittances collapsed, and government expenditures rose to man- age the health crisis, debt sustainability deteriorated. Meanwhile inflation, fuelled by excessive stimulus and global shocks such as the war in Ukraine, has further strained public finances. Central banks' rapid interest rate hikes – intended to stabilise inflation – have increased the cost of dollar-denominated debt, driving several nations to the brink of default. Today, 23 out of 40 African nations as- sessed by the World Bank are at high risk of debt distress or are already in distress. Half of the $102bn in debt service paid by African countries in 2024 went to private creditors – and this debt has become ex- pensive. African countries pay an average premium of 500% on private loans com- pared to the rates offered by institutions like the World Bank. In 2021 for $1bn in loans, Africa's lower middle income countries paid an average of 5.79% to private creditors and 1.16% to the World Bank, while upper middle income countries paid 5.92% to private creditors and 0.5% to the World Bank. This disparity has devastating consequences. Between 2016 and 2021, the excess inter- est costs associated with these premiums amounted to $56bn – funds that could have transformed health systems, im- proved infrastructure, or enhanced edu- cational opportunities. Global implications The high cost of capital in Africa is not just an African problem. It reflects structural challenges in global finance that limit the ability of developing countries to partici- pate fully in the global economy. For example, African leaders have long argued that African countries face unfavourable credit ratings from agencies like Moody's, S&P Global and Fitch – ratings that fail to accurately reflect the region's economic potential or the resilience of its governments. While the agen- cies are making their methodology more transparent, more is needed. Prudential regulations introduced to protect the banking system after the 2008 financial crisis – embodied in the Basel III framework – play a role in inhibiting private investment in emerging markets by increas- ing the requirements on investors' capital liquidity ratios, despite the fact that these investments pose no structural risk to the banking system. And finally, a paucity of data and do- mestic regulations can increase these costs. By bringing together these disparate agendas, the G20 can lay out a roadmap for addressing these challenges across the various regulatory and market-based agendas that need reform. South Africa's G20 leadership matters As the premier forum for international economic cooperation, the G20 is unique- ly positioned to address the structural factors driving the high cost of capital. Representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and 64% of the world's population, the G20 wields significant influence over global financial norms and practices. President Ramaphosa has already out- lined an ambitious agenda, including pro- posing the establishment of a Cost of Capi- tal Commission. This would bring together experts from across the public and private sectors to address the root causes of high borrowing costs for developing countries. It would examine credit rating methodolo- gies, prudential regulations, and the data gaps that exacerbate risk perceptions. This proposal builds on successful G20 finance initiatives, such as the Debt Ser- vice Suspension Initiative (DSSI) launched during the pandemic and an Independent Expert Group (IEG) that was commissioned by the Indian G20 presidency to address reform of the multilateral development banks. The Cost of Capital Commission could provide the technical expertise and political momentum needed to advance these solutions. Building coalitions for change South Africa is not alone in recognising the need for reform. Key G20 members, including Brazil, India and Indonesia, have emphasised similar priorities during their presidencies. The African Union, which now holds a permanent seat at the G20 table, also provides a critical platform for advancing African interests. Moreover, informal coalitions such as the Bridgetown Initiative and the Paris Pact for People and Planet have already laid the groundwork for multilateral coopera- tion on financial reform. By aligning its G20 agenda with these initiatives, South Africa can build a broad- based coalition of support, bridging divides between traditional powers like the G7 and emerging blocs such as BRICS. This collaborative approach will be es-sential for managing the geopolitical ten- sions that often complicate G20 negotia- tions. At the same time, the legitimacy of the G20 framework – rooted in its diverse membership and economic clout – pro- vides a powerful mandate for action. A global imperative Addressing the high cost of capital is not just an African priority; it is a global im- perative. Emerging economies face an estimated $2.3trn to $2.5trn in annual financing needs to meet climate goals and achieve sustainable development by 2030. Without access to affordable capital, these goals will remain out of reach, ex- acerbating inequalities and undermining global stability. For advanced economies, the stakes are equally high. The economic health of emerging markets directly affects global trade, investment, and financial stability. By addressing the cost of capital, the G20 can unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation, benefiting both devel- oped and developing nations. Seizing the moment South Africa's G20 presidency is a chance to turn the tide on one of the most pressing challenges of our time. By championing the estab- lishment of a Cost of Capital Com- mission and building coalitions for change, South Africa can help create a fairer, more inclusive global finan- cial system. This is not just an opportunity for Africa – it is an opportunity for the world. By addressing the structural inequities in global finance, the G20 can lay the foundation for a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable global economy. As the first African nation to lead the G20, South Africa has the moral authority and political leverage to push this agenda forward. The stakes are high, but so is the potential for transformative change. Now is the time to act. n David McNair (above left) is executive di- rector at the ONE Campaign, a member of the European Council on Foreign Relations, and author of 'Why Europe Needs Africa,'published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Vera Songwe (above right) is a non-resident senior fellow in the Africa Growth Initiative at the Brookings Institution. She is Chair of the Board of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility and sits on South Africa's Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC). The G20 is uniquely positioned to address the structural factors driving the high cost of capital. © Copyright IC Publications 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
