
Pretoria – UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked that Africa, distinguished by its youthful and growing population, rich cultural and ecological diversity, and exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, is being impeded by injustices deeply rooted in the legacy of colonialism.
Guterres shared these insights during his visit to Pretoria on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
Expressing his pleasure to be back in South Africa, he extended his gratitude to President Ramaphosa and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola for their warm reception.
While meeting with Minister Lamola, Guterres seized the opportunity to align views and continue discussions on priorities for the G20 presidency, the pact for the future, and accelerating efforts towards sustainable development and climate action.
“Africa is a continent with a dynamic and growing young population, a wealth of cultural and natural diversity, and an impressive entrepreneurial drive,” Guterres stated.
“Nevertheless, this tremendous potential continues to be suppressed by injustices with roots in colonial history.”
“Inequities in the global financial system impose high debt servicing costs on countries, restricting their access to affordable financing essential for combating poverty, inequality, and hunger while making strides towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Beyond addressing the ongoing injustices linked to colonialism, Guterres also expressed his concerns about the turmoil in the Middle East to reporters.
“Currently, we are witnessing a shift in the Middle East, characterized by changes in power dynamics among key regional players, alongside the significant tragedy faced by the Palestinian people, whose right to self-determination and statehood must be consistently affirmed,” he noted.
“However, we also observe glimmers of hope, particularly regarding the waning of the Syrian dictatorship.”
The Secretary-General confirmed that the United Nations is “fully committed” to ensuring a smooth transition of power, fostering an inclusive political process that respects the rights of all minorities, and paving the way for a united and sovereign Syria with restored territorial integrity.
“My Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen, is engaging with all vital stakeholders to help achieve these objectives,” emphasized Guterres.
“I have complete confidence in the Syrian people to shape their own future.”
He conveyed his presence in South Africa as one rooted in solidarity and justice.
“I arrive at a critical moment as South Africa assumes the G20 presidency.”
In discussing Africa, Guterres emphasized the continent’s undeniable potential.
He pointed out that injustices related to escalating climate chaos—of which Africans have contributed minimally—are causing floods, storms, hunger, and devastating droughts across Africa.
“I stand in full support with President Ramaphosa and the people of Africa in this pursuit of justice in all aspects,” Guterres remarked.
“Africa deserves financial justice.”
Earlier this year in September, global leaders ratified the Pact for the Future.
This Pact encompasses commitments for substantial reforms to enhance the international financial system, making it more representative of the contemporary global economy while addressing the needs of developing nations.
It advocates for initiatives to advance an SDG Stimulus.
To significantly bolster the lending capabilities of Multilateral Development Banks, making them larger, more ambitious, and more capable of supporting developing countries.
And to mobilize additional international and domestic resources, both public and private, for vital investments.
“Last week, I appointed a group of leading experts to galvanize international backing for tackling debt, and I’m pleased that Trevor Manuel will partake in this significant effort,” noted the Secretary-General.
He asserted that Africa, at the forefront of the climate crisis, demands “climate justice.”
Despite contributing little to emissions, climate change severely impacts the people and economies of the continent.
Africa is warming at an accelerated rate compared to the global average.
“We must strive to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius to prevent this crisis from worsening,” Guterres insisted.
“By next year, countries must present new economy-wide national climate action plans—known as NDCs—aligned with the 1.5-degree goal.”
“As the largest emitters, the G20 must lead the charge.”
These new strategies should cover all emissions and the entire economy, hasten the phase-out of fossil fuels, and contribute toward energy transition goals agreed upon at COP28.
Guterres remarked that developed nations must also aid emerging economies with technological capabilities and expertise to significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption and swiftly advance the renewable energy transition in an equitable manner.
This involves creating innovative models of international cooperation, such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership, which South Africa pioneered and has since been mirrored by several countries in Asia.
Guterres elaborated that this also necessitates developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments by pledging to double adaptation financing and significantly contribute to the Loss and Damage Fund.
“There’s a narrative not commonly recognized,” he noted.
“When the Loss and Damage Fund was initiated, the initial pledges equaled the total annual salaries of the ten highest-paid football players worldwide.”
“This illustrates that discussions about the Loss and Damage Fund must address serious issues.”
“This example underscores that much work lies ahead to ensure the Loss and Damage Fund effectively aids developing nations.”
The Secretary-General expressed that the global community must support Africa in building green economies rooted in renewable energy.
“It is absurd that Africa holds 60 percent of the world’s best solar resources yet secures only two percent of global investments in solar energy,” Guterres emphasized.
“We must amend this.”
“We also need to guarantee that Africa’s vital mineral resources, which can drive the global renewable revolution, primarily benefit Africans.”
“We must prevent repeating past mistakes.”
The UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, co-chaired by South Africa, has identified a series of principles and recommendations aimed at empowering communities, creating accountability, and ensuring that clean energy promotes equitable and resilient growth, benefiting producing nations instead of merely exporting low-value raw materials.
The Secretary-General highlighted that Africa equally necessitates technological justice.
“Africa must not be left behind in the technology revolution nor silenced as the world formulates frameworks to leverage technology’s advantages while mitigating risks,” he stated, referencing, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a prime example.”
The Global Digital Compact, adopted in September, includes the first universal framework for AI governance, inviting all nations to participate.
It advocates for an independent international Scientific Panel on AI and the initiation of a global dialogue on its governance within the United Nations.
It also seeks innovative voluntary financing options to build AI capacity in developing countries, ensuring they are included.
Ultimately, Africa requires the justice that only peace can deliver.
Guterres confirmed that the United Nations will continue its efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts affecting the continent in close collaboration with African regional organizations.
“This includes addressing the crisis in Sudan,” he indicated.
“We need all parties to halt hostilities and commit to a pathway toward sustainable peace and accountability for the Sudanese people.”
“We will also enhance our cooperation to promote human rights and combat terrorism and violent extremism.”
He described the UN Security Council’s recent resolution supporting African-led peace operations as a promising step towards fortifying “our partnership.”
Guterres added: “We must respond to the call within the Pact for the Future to explore expanding representation on the UN Security Council—a clear example of injustice within the global peace and security framework.”
“Africa currently lacks a single permanent member on the Security Council, which is utterly unacceptable.”
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we near the end of this year, I convey a straightforward message:
2025 must be a year of justice for Africa.
“I look forward to working with South Africa’s G20 Presidency to secure justice for the people of this extraordinary continent,” Guterres concluded.
“Simultaneously, we will support all of South Africa’s efforts in its roles in mediation and justice, both within Africa and across other regions of the globe.”
