South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramakgopa, emphasized the urgency of addressing interconnected global crises—economic instability, environmental degradation, and persistent inequalities.
Speaking to delegates at the 4th Development Working Group (DWG) meeting of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, held in the iconic Kruger National Park, she stated “We gather as stewards of a common ambition to build a world where progress does not bypass the most vulnerable,” she said, highlighting the meeting’s setting in one of Africa’s largest national parks as a symbol of the nation’s dedication to sustainable practices and heritage.
The minister outlined two key priorities for the DWG. First, she called for universal social protection systems as a cornerstone of inclusive development, citing stark gender disparities: women earn 20% less than men globally, and over 2.7 billion women face legal job restrictions. “Social protection is not charity—it fosters economic vitality, societal unity, and gender parity,” Ramakgopa stated, advocating for systems that support transitions to low-carbon industries, fair labor markets, and recognition of unpaid care work.
ALSO READ: Kenya:NLC moves to secure land for parliament properties
Second, she stressed the critical role of public finance in sustainable development, urging action against illicit financial flows (IFFs) that drain resources and undermine trust. Ramakgopa endorsed outcomes from the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, pushing for transparent tax systems, automatic data sharing, and robust beneficial ownership registries to curb financial opacity. “Strengthening domestic resource capacity is non-negotiable,” she declared.
With only 15% of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track for 2030, Ramakgopa warned of a growing resource gap exacerbated by debt, hunger, and climate challenges. She called for a reimagined global response, emphasizing inclusive governance of global public goods and innovative financing to address shared risks like pandemics and technological disruption.
The minister concluded by rallying delegates to drive actionable change, aligning with South Africa’s G20 theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability. “This meeting must push forward action and change,” she urged, expressing confidence in the upcoming Ministerial Meeting to deliver impactful outcomes. The DWG meeting continues in Kruger National Park, a fitting backdrop for discussions on building a sustainable global future.
