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Johannesburg, 26 September 2023- Procter & Gamble (P&G), a global leader in consumer-packaged goods, is set to take center stage at the 11th edition of the Global Citizen Festival, a renowned international event during UN Week. This year’s festival, streaming globally, will spotlight P&G’s commitment to addressing period poverty and providing access to sanitary pads …
Developed economies urged to accelerate climate action
President Cyril Ramaphosa says developed economy countries, in particular, must act with urgency to accelerate the reduction of emissions, fulfil their obligations and honour past promises.
The President was speaking at the Climate Ambition Summit on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.
The President told world leaders that Africa has witnessed with increasing alarm the effects of climate change, environmental degradation, unsustainable production and resource scarcity on human health and well-being.
“As countries across the globe seek practical ways to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple crises, we are presented with an unprecedented opportunity to set the global economy on a more equitable, environmentally sustainable and low-carbon developmental trajectory.
“Despite having little responsibility for causing global warming, Africa is warming faster than the rest of the world. Like other parts of the Global South, the continent is significantly affected by climate change. As such, climate actions cannot be separated from the drive for sustainable and inclusive development,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President science sends a clear message that the world is not on track to meet the goals contained in the Paris Agreement. He emphasised that this Climate Ambition Summit must instil the necessary urgency and propel the actions that are needed now to prevent the destruction of the planet and the devastation of societies.
Earlier this month, African leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, which recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity.
To achieve this vision of economic transformation, African leaders have called on the international community to support efforts to massively increase Africa’s renewable energy capacity by 2030.
“They are seeking investment in smart, digital and efficient green technologies to decarbonise the transport, industrial and electricity sectors in African countries.
“They have called for support to strengthen actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, deforestation and desertification. And to boost agricultural yields through sustainable agricultural practices,” the President highlighted.
Structural reform to promote just and inclusive transitions
President Ramaphosa said structural reform is needed to promote transitions that are just and inclusive.
He said global and regional trade mechanisms must enable products from Africa to compete on fair and equitable terms.
“Trade related environmental tariffs and non-tariff barriers must be the product of multilateral agreements. They must not be unilateral, arbitrary or discriminatory.
“The multilateral financial system must build resilience to climate shocks and better leverage the balance sheets of multilateral development banks to scale up concessional finance. Developing economy countries also require new, predictable public finance to support climate adaptation and build resilience to loss and damage.”
The system, President Ramaphosa said, needs to provide interventions for debt management and relief to prevent debt default.
“The actions necessary now must not place an undue burden on the citizens of tomorrow.”
The President emphasised that financing for climate action should respect the right of all countries to pursue their own development pathways, while taking into account their specific national circumstances.
“As South Africa implements its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, which is aligned to the Paris Agreement temperature goals, we see new opportunities for green growth and development.
“With abundant solar and wind resources, with significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industrialisation,” he said.
Due to regulatory changes and a surge of investment, South Africa has a confirmed pipeline of renewable energy projects in development that are expected to produce in excess of 10 gigawatts of electricity.
South Africa has also established a Just Transition Framework to ensure that climate actions adhere to principles of procedural, restorative and distributive justice.
“We are committed to building resilience to the impact of climate change and reducing our emissions in ways that are appropriate to our national circumstances and development pathways.
“As South Africa, and as the African continent, we are working to give substance to our assertion that no country should ever have to choose between development aspirations and climate action,” he said.
President Ramaphosa called on the summit to demonstrate that the leaders of the world are committed to ambitious climate actions that are inclusive, comprehensive and leave no one behind. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:24
Reform the international financial architecture – President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the reform and strengthening of financial architecture where developing countries participate equally in the decision making process of the international economic order.
The President said he welcomes the numerous initiatives to assist the most pressing needs of countries in dire stress. These include the Food Shock Window, Resilience and Sustainability Trust and the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment.
“However, sustainable and inclusive growth requires that more be done. We must strengthen and reform the international financial architecture. Developing economy countries must participate equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process of the international economic order,” he said.
President Ramaphosa was delivering remarks at the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development Summit on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.
The statesman told world leaders that humanity is confronted with the convergence of a climate crisis, recession, increasing conflict, environmental degradation, rising food insecurity, deepening poverty and unacceptable levels of hunger.
He highlighted that when the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was agreed upon, the overarching principle was that the most vulnerable would receive the support they needed.
“Yet, at a time when solidarity was needed most, agreed international commitments were not honoured. Principles such as common but differentiated responsibilities are not being respected.
“Four decades since the right to development was established by the United Nations as a human right, the failure to act on commitments to support development is deepening the divide between the global north and south.
“The Addis Ababa Action Agenda provides concrete plans for supporting development and we again call on our partners to support these plans,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa further called for the mandates of multilateral development banks to be reframed to respond to the needs of developing economies.
He emphasised that “we must assert the principle of country ownership”.
“Multilateral development banks should support projects and programmes that are aligned to the development priorities and climate commitments of these countries.
“The international tax system must reflect the diverse needs and capacities of both developed and developing economies,” he said.
The President added that more innovation is required to enable the private sector to play a greater role in addressing the finance gap. He said this includes a new approach to blended finance with a focus on the developmental impact of investments.
He underscored that credit ratings of developing economies, and African economies in particular, need to be based on economic fundamentals and not on subjective assessments.
Public finance is critical for development
President Ramaphosa said developed economy countries need to fulfil their commitment to contribute at least 0.7 percent of their gross national income towards official development assistance.
They also need to fulfil their commitment to mobilise $100 billion a year to tackle climate change.
“As South Africa, we therefore welcome the recommended actions contained in Secretary-General’s Report on ‘Our Common Agenda’. In the interests of our common progress and the survival and prosperity of future generations, we must act now.
“South Africa encourages all world leaders, global institutions and private sector partners to work together to address the current crises, close the finance divide, reduce inequality, eradicate poverty and make sure that no-one is left behind,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:26
President Ramaphosa concludes participation in UNGA78
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the United States of America, where he led South Africa’s participation in the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York.
President Ramaphosa was accompanied by a delegation of Ministers, including the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy; Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla; Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Minister in The Presidency for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa.
The President delivered South Africa’s National Statement on Tuesday under the theme: 'Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all'.
On Wednesday, President Ramaphosa participated in the Financing for Development Summit.
The President joined United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Dennis Francis, in advocating for the strengthening and reform of the international financial architecture.
President Ramaphosa said developing countries must participate equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process of the international economic world order.
"Four decades since the right to development was established by the United Nations as a human right, the failure to act on commitments to support development is deepening the divide between the global north and south," said President Ramaphosa.
The President also addressed the Climate Change Summit, hosted by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, where he joined the call by African leaders for action in the implementation of the recently adopted Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action.
The declaration recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity.
President Ramaphosa said that financing for climate action should respect the right of all countries to pursue their own development pathways while taking into account their specific national circumstances.
“As South Africa implements its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, which is aligned to the Paris Agreement temperature goals, we see new opportunities for green growth and development.
“With abundant solar and wind resources, with significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable industrialisation,” the President said.
The President described South Africa's participation at the UNGA78 as progressive, as it continued to advocate for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and reiterated South Africa’s support for the United Nations Secretary-General's ambition of U$ 500 billion a year to meet the UN-driven global sustainable development goals.
On the sidelines of UNGA78, President Ramaphosa held several bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening strategic political, diplomatic and trade ties.
These included discussions with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu; Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria; President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, and President Emmerson Mnagangwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Another highlight of the President’s working visit to the United States was the joint announcement by the South African and United States governments of South Africa’s hosting of the 20th US-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, (AGOA Forum) in Johannesburg from 2 - 4 November 2023.
President Ramaphosa welcomed this development as an expression of South Africa's intention to remain part, beyond 2025, of the trade partnership enabled by the United States’ Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.
This trade relationship carries mutual benefit for South Africa and the United States, as part of the broader cordial and strong relations between the two countries.
In his assessment of UNGA78, President Ramaphosa said: “The United Nations General Assembly is an important and strategic platform for South Africa, where we are able to interact at a high level multilaterally and bilaterally.
“We have engaged in meaningful discussions that will contribute to the development of our country and our continent. I go home with my spirits lifted and enthused that the challenges we face will be resolved as we continue working with our social partners and business at home, and our trade and diplomatic partners globally." – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:47
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a working visit to the United States of America, where he led South Africa's participation in the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York.
The President delivered South Africa's National Statement on Tuesday, 19 September 2023, under the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all”.
On Wednesday, 20 September 2023, President Ramaphosa participated in the Financing for Development Summit.
The President joined United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Dennis Francis, in advocating for the strengthening and reform of the international financial architecture.
President Ramaphosa said developing countries must participate equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process of the international economic world order.
"Four decades since the right to development was established by the United Nations as a human right, the failure to act on commitments to support development is deepening the divide between the global north and south," said President Ramaphosa.
The President also addressed the Climate Change Summit, hosted by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, where the President joined the call by African leaders for action in the implementation of the recently adopted Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action.
The declaration recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity.
President Ramaphosa said: “Financing for climate action should respect the right of all countries to pursue their own development pathways while taking into account their specific national circumstances.
“As South Africa implements its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, which is aligned to the Paris Agreement temperature goals, we see new opportunities for green growth and development.
“With abundant solar and wind resources, with significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable industrialisation.”
The President described South Africa's participation at the UNGA78 as progressive as it continued to advocate for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and reiterated South Africa's support for the United Nations Secretary-General's ambition of U$ 500 billion a year to meet the UN-driven global sustainable development goals.
On the sidelines of UNGA78, President Cyril Ramaphosa held several bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening strategic political, diplomatic, and trade ties.
These included discussions with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu; Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria; President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, and President Emmerson Mnagangwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Another highlight of the President's Working Visit to the United States was the joint announcement by the South African and United States governments of South Africa's hosting of the 20th US-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, (AGOA Forum) in Johannesburg from 2 to 4 November 2023.
President Ramaphosa welcomed this development as an expression of South Africa's intention to remain part, beyond 2025, of the trade partnership enabled by the United States' Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.
This trade relationship carries mutual benefit for South Africa and the United States, as part of the broader cordial and strong relations between the two countries.
In his assessment of UNGA78 President Ramaphosa said: “The United Nations General Assembly is an important and strategic platform for South Africa, where we are able to interact at a high level multilaterally and bilaterally.
“We have engaged in meaningful discussions that will contribute to the development of our country and our continent. I go home with my spirits lifted and enthused that the challenges we face will be resolved as we continue working with our social partners and business at home, and our trade and diplomatic partners globally."
The President was accompanied by a delegation of Ministers that included the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy; Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla; Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; and Minister in The Presidency for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
KZN Premier calls for urgent action to respond to climate change
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called for urgent and collective action in order to respond to the impact of climate change.
This, the Premier said during an engagement with various strategic and alliance partners at the 2023 Climate Week in New York, must be accompanied by meaningful funding and the implementation of commitments.
Dube-Ncube bemoaned the fact that those who have contributed the least to climate change and are the most vulnerable -- mainly residing in the developing world -- have been the most affected by the impact of climate change.
“Governments must strengthen the implementation of current policies and strategies to hold corporates responsible for their contribution to the climate change impacts and to ensure their accountability.
“The corporates, on the other hand, must put their money where their values are. We urgently need collective action to mitigate, while we largely adapt to the climate change impacts,” Dube-Ncube said.
In its 15th year, Climate Week is regarded as the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together some 400 events and activities across the City of New York – in person, hybrid and online.
Each year, business leaders, political change makers, local decision takers and civil society representatives of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world, gather to drive the transition, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening.
KwaZulu-Natal is one of the co-chairs of the Climate Group. The group acts as the Secretariat of the Under2Coalition, the largest network of subnational governments committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
KwaZulu-Natal represents the voices of the vulnerable people of Africa, as the Premier is the co-chair for the Africa Region.
This year, Climate Week NYC is being held from 17 - 24 September 2023.
At the event, the Premier met with the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, and the two discussed issues of common interest, including lessons on climate insurance, and establishing learning platforms, which will be shared by both KwaZulu-Natal and the California subnational government, to push the urgency of action.
The two leaders also discussed climate risks and vulnerabilities, as both California and KwaZulu-Natal share similar experiences, which is flash floods, droughts and sea level rises.
Dube-Ncube said Climate Week and the engagement with the Governor could not have come at a more poignant time, as KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of Africa are more susceptible to violent weather patterns.
The Premier said while making good progress, the province is still reeling from the April 2022 floods and its infrastructure has not yet fully recovered.
“Just this weekend, we witnessed devastating tidal waves in the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal which destroyed infrastructure and saw a number of people injured. This clearly demonstrates that our province is in the eye of the storm and, as a result, urgent action is required from all stakeholders,” Dube-Ncube said.
On behalf of the provincial government, the Premier conveyed a message of support and condolences to the families of the victims of the high tidal waves, which left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Dube-Ncube said the conversations at the 2023 Climate Week will not end at the event but will shape the onward conversations of COP28, scheduled to take place in November/December 2023 in the United Arab Emirates.
“This is where governments and non-parties will be advancing the voice of inclusivity.
“As part of the underdeveloped and developing worlds, we carry a clear mandate to advance the aspirations of our regions and in particular, the African continent, for environmental justice, food security and financing of mitigation efforts,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 10:02
South Africa continues to advocate for dialogue
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the international community to do everything within its means to enable meaningful dialogue between warring parties, while refraining from actions that fuel the conflict.
The President was delivering a statement to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
“Democratic South Africa has consistently advocated for dialogue, negotiation and diplomacy to prevent and end conflict, and achieve lasting peace.
“It is these principles that inform South Africa’s participation in the African Peace Initiative, which seeks a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In this conflict, as in all conflicts, we have insisted that the UN Charter’s principle of respect for the territorial integrity of every country should be upheld,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa told the world leaders that SA’s participation in the African Peace Initiative is informed by a desire to see an end to the suffering of those most directly affected by the conflict and the millions on the continent and across the world who, as a result of the conflict, are now vulnerable to worsening hunger and deprivation.
“As the international community, we must do everything within our means to enable meaningful dialogue, just as we should refrain from any actions that fuel the conflict.
“As we confront other conflicts in several parts of the world, including on our continent Africa, we need to be investing in prevention and peacebuilding,” he said.
The President said South Africa supports the call by the UN Secretary-General in the New Agenda for Peace for Member States to provide more sustainable and predictable financing to peacebuilding efforts.
He called on the global community to be concerned by recent incidents of unconstitutional changes of government in some parts of Africa.
He emphasised that the global community needs to work alongside the African Union to support peace efforts in the eastern DRC, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Mali, Central African Republic, South Sudan, northern Mozambique, the Great Lakes Region, the Sahel, Niger and the Horn of Africa.
The President highlighted that the African Union Peace and Security Council has declared that it stands ready to deepen its cooperation with the UN Security Council to silence the guns on the African continent and to achieve peace, stability and development.
“We are called upon to remain true to the founding principles of the United Nations, by recognising the inalienable right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination, in line with the relevant UN General Assembly resolutions.
“We must work for peace in the Middle East. For as long as the land of the Palestinians remains occupied, for as long as their rights are ignored and their dignity denied, such peace will remain elusive,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said that the actions of the Government of Israel have imperilled the possibility of a viable two-State solution.
“The principles of the UN Charter on territorial integrity and on the prohibition on the annexation of land through the use of force must be applied in this situation,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa continues to call for the lifting of the economic embargo against Cuba, which has caused untold damage to that country’s economy and people.
He said sanctions against Zimbabwe should also be lifted as they are imposing great suffering on ordinary Zimbabweans.
“As many people around the world are confronted by hunger and want, the essential human qualities of cooperation and solidarity must be evident in the actions we take to bridge the divide between wealthy and poor.
“We must summon the necessary will and resolve to regain the momentum towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.
“This means that we must address the fundamental development challenges that have long characterised our unequal world,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 09:59
President Ramaphosa calls on wealthy countries to meet financial commitments on climate
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on partners from wealthy countries to meet the climate financial commitments they made to tackle global warming in developing countries.
“We call on our partners from wealthier countries to meet the financial commitments they have made. It is a great concern that these wealthier countries have failed to meet their undertakings to mobilise 100 billion dollars a year for developing economies to take climate action,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa was speaking during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday.
He told world leaders that Africa is warming faster than the rest of the world, with 17 of the 20 climate hotspots around the world found in Africa.
“Africa is least responsible for the climate damage that has been caused and yet it bears the greatest burden.
“Centuries after the end of the slave trade, decades after the end of the colonial exploitation of Africa’s resources, the people of our continent are once again bearing the cost of the industrialisation and development of the wealthy nations of the world,” he said.
President Ramaphosa stressed “this is a price that the people of Africa are no longer prepared to pay”.
“Many countries in the North count their assets in the mineral resources that are beneath the African soil. The wealth of Africa belongs to Africans. The mineral wealth that is beneath the soil of Africa must in the end accrue to Africans,” he said.
The President urged global leaders to accelerate global decarbonisation while pursuing equality and shared prosperity.
He underscored the need to advance all three pillars of the Paris Agreement – mitigation, adaptation and support, with equal ambition and urgency.
“African countries, alongside other developing economy countries, need increased financial support to both implement the 2030 Agenda and achieve their climate change goals in a comprehensive and integrated manner.
“We need to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters, as agreed at COP27,” the President said.
Reform of global institutions
President Ramaphosa called on the global community to ensure the essential qualities that define humanity are evident in the institutions that manage the conduct of international relations.
“We require institutions that are inclusive, representative, democratic and advance the interests of all nations. We require a renewed commitment to multilateralism, based on clear rules and supported by effective institutions.
“This is the moment to proceed with the reform of the United Nations Security Council, to give meaning to the principle of the sovereign equality of nations and to enable the council to respond more effectively to current geopolitical realities,” he said.
He said he is pleased that the Common African Position on the reform of the Security Council is increasingly enjoying wide support.
He further advocated that the process must move to text-based negotiations, creating an opportunity for convergence between Member States.
“We must ensure that the voice of the African continent and the global South is strengthened in the United Nations and broader multilateral system. All the peoples represented here in this United Nations had their origins in Africa,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 10:48
African solidarity key to future pandemic preparedness
Africa’s pandemic prevention, preparedness and response should be characterised by unity, solidarity and coherence between countries as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was addressing the Uniting Behind a Common Africa Position on Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response (PPPR) Summit on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
“In the same way as we responded to COVID-19, Africa’s pandemic prevention, preparedness and response efforts should be defined by unity, solidarity and coherence. As far as I know, we in Africa are possibly the only continent that succeeded and managed to develop a clear strategy on how to respond to COVID-19. A well-articulated strategy, well developed strategy that enabled our continent, in more ways than one, to navigate its way through COVID-19.
“Likewise, Africa should set its own agenda to fit into the global plans. Africa is justified in wanting to have self-reliance in pandemic prevention, pandemic preparedness and response, or PPPR. Africa experiences over 100 infectious disease that have broken out quite often in a year, most of which we manage to contain,” he said.
Leaning further into Africa’s response to COVID-19, President Ramaphosa reminded those gathered at the PPPR Summit about the strides the continent made during the height of the pandemic.
“During COVID-19, Africa emerged as a leader in genomic surveillance. On two occasions, we were the first to alert the world to new COVID-19 variants.
“The relative success of Africa’s COVID-19 Response Strategy should be studied and documented. We need to understand the effect of factors such as the high degree of cross-border cooperation, local expertise, the relatively young population and the impact of partnerships. These learnings can form the basis of an informed, proactive strategy.
“Together, we built a solid foundation for PPPR…by strengthening our public health institutions. We initiated a pharmaceutical manufacturing strategy, established a model for continent-wide pooled procurement and exposed African products to the global market through the Africa Medical Supplies Platform.
“If ever there was a moment when our continent really showed positive signs of integration in practical terms, going just beyond talking about integration, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that a combination of climate change and the increased movement of people has caused an increase in the frequency of outbreaks worldwide – making the need for pandemic preparedness a pressing matter.
“This means preparation is urgent and will not wait for us to make up our minds at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body.
“It is for this reason that we support the establishment of an interim medical countermeasures coordination mechanism. However, it must correct the mistakes of ACT-A [Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator] and be founded on a firm principle of accountability and fair governance characterised by a partnership of equals.
“We support the WHO consultative process towards establishing this mechanism and that it should align with the determinations of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body,” he said.
Building preparedness capacity
President Ramaphosa said the continent now has a “window of opportunity to maintain political will and investor interest to drive significant investments towards developing regional PPPR capacity”.
He added that this will require focus on critical areas:
“Firstly, we need strong, sustainable, digitally-empowered primary health care systems and we need community-responsive national public health institutes. Because outbreaks happen at the community level, information must travel faster than the pathogen. Health services must be able to reach vulnerable groups on our continent, including those in conflict settings. Secondly, we need real-time surveillance and good cross-border cooperation.
“Thirdly, we need a capable and fit-for-purpose workforce. We need to urgently establish the health workforce task team to operationalise health workforce development. With such a large young population, Africa can be the hub of health workforce production to close the global health workforce shortage.
“Fourthly, we need equitable access to medical countermeasures, including vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, through local manufacturing and functional last-mile delivery of goods and services. Fifthly, we need predictable financing for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response systems,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said Africa needs to speak with a “unified voice” but further emphasised that that voice must having a stronger say international fora.
“As we build our regional capacity, we must also position ourselves prominently in the global PPPR negotiations. We need a unified voice as well as demonstrate that we have common positions to advance the interests of our continent but more particularly, the people who live on our beloved continent Africa.
“Africa needs to be well represented in key global fora, like the World Health Organisation’s consultative process towards an interim medical countermeasures coordination mechanism, the G20 as part of the AU’s new membership, the G7 MCM Delivery Partnership and the informal Johannesburg process,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 10:27
Africa ready for new investment – President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has told American business representatives that Africa is ready for new investment and strong partnerships.
The President was delivering remarks at the US - South Africa Trade and Investment Business Roundtable Dialogue in New York on Monday.
“Africa is ready for new investment and strong partnerships. South Africa is well positioned as the continent’s industrial centre, with deep capital markets, the rule of law, protection of property rights and a dynamic and youthful population.
“The significant presence of US companies operating in South Africa, including Ford, Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Procter & Gamble, Google, Amazon and Walmart, among many others, forms a base for increased investment,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said he was pleased to hear that the US Africa Business Council and BUSA will be hosting the inaugural business and investment forum on the margins of the AGOA Forum scheduled to be held in South Africa in November 2023.
He said this platform will present the countries’ respective governments, private sectors and civil society with numerous opportunities to advance trade and investment relations.
“I look forward to our discussions and encourage your candid views. I also look forward to welcoming all of the companies present here today to South Africa in November this year during the AGOA Forum… I look forward to building and strengthening business relationships that will accelerate growth, enable commercial success and ensure prosperity for both our countries,” President Ramaphosa said.
Global prosperity
The President told the business representatives that global prosperity has been founded on greater levels of openness and engagement between nations and people.
He said in recent decades, a more open, rules-based trading system, complemented by deeper levels of cross-border investment, has helped to sustain and grow global GDP.
He said it has helped to increase employment in many countries and spur innovation and new technologies.
“Yet, the heightened tension of this moment has led to fragmentation, hostility and increasing protectionism. For South Africa, a divided world is not a good thing. We are a trading nation, with above average trade-to-GDP ratios. A significant part of our economic growth is driven by exports.
“We believe that the voices advocating greater dialogue and continued economic engagement between nations need to be strengthened,” he said.
Trade and investment agenda
Turning to the trade and investment agenda, President Ramaphosa said that they are finalising the modalities for the imminent launch of trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“We expect that the first goods to be traded under this free trade pact would commence within the next six months or sooner. The AfCFTA, as it is called, will cover 1.3 billion consumers in countries possessing some of the world’s most valuable minerals and raw materials,” he said.
South Africa is working with the US Administration to make the case for the extension of AGOA to current beneficiary countries for a further period of 10 years, prior to its expiry in 2025, President Ramaphosa said.
He emphasised that the US remains a very important economic partner in trade and investment, with great potential to further expand economic ties.
Accompanying this trade agenda, the President said government has embarked on far-reaching economic reforms, including the energy market being restructured.
Economic reform agenda
Turning to the economic reforms agenda, President Ramaphosa said the country is also focusing on expanding its industrial capacity.
“The availability of critical raw materials in South Africa and in neighbouring countries is driving efforts to expand high-value manufacturing. This is a real opportunity for more US investment that can leverage off the demonstrated manufacturing base of South Africa.
“African growth rates provide a stable growth in aggregate demand over the next decade and more,” he said.
The recently published African Economic Outlook for 2023 noted: “Growth is projected to rebound to 4% in 2023 and consolidate at 4.3% in 2024, underpinning Africa’s continued resilience to shocks.”
The report goes on to say that Africa is endowed with 30% of the world’s mineral resources and 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, the world’s most productive forests both in timber and carbon retention resources, and ample solar, wind and hydropower.
“With this kind of potential, savvy investors will be expanding… their base in South Africa and the rest of the continent.
“Our economic reform agenda also includes targeted measures to open the market for more South Africans to participate,” he said.
The President told the business leaders that South Africa has increased its target for its investment drive to R2 trillion over the next five years.
“To appreciate the great opportunities in our economy, I invite you to the next South Africa Investment Conference, to be held in March 2024,” he said.
The investment drive includes an expansion of Special Economic Zones, the most recent of which was built around the Ford Motor Company plant in the capital city, Pretoria. Around 10 large factories now produce components for the scaled-up Ford plant. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 11:39
World leaders called to champion women, children health agenda
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Heads of State and Government to join the Global Leaders Network to champion the women, children and adolescent health agenda.
The President was addressing the High Level Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) event on Monday at the UNICEF headquarters in New York, USA.
“As Heads of State, we can provide leadership and inspire ambitious action. We have the convening power to mobilise our peers and advance policies, programmes and financing initiatives for improved outcomes.
“As part of our agenda, we must challenge the disregard in many communities and countries for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President spent the first and second day of his working visit to the United States - for the 78th United Nations General Assembly - discussing sustainable development goals and investments in South Africa.
On Sunday, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with Professor Klaus Schwab, CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), to discuss South Africa’s participation at WEF and the progress the country is making on the reforms aimed at advancing inclusive economic growth.
The President also met with United States Congressman, Gregory Meeks. Both President Ramaphosa and Congressman Meeks acknowledged the need for greater cooperation between the US and South Africa in tackling global issues that are impacting the African continent, primarily, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Africa.
“Congressman Meeks welcomed the briefing on the conclusion of the investigation into the docking of the LadyR vessel in Simmons Town, South Africa, and expressed his commitment to contributing to the strengthening of US-Africa diplomatic and trade relations, and to attending the AGOA forum in South Africa later this year,” the Presidency said.
President Ramaphosa concluded his first day of engagements with a meeting with the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.
The two leaders discussed developments related to the reform of the international financial architecture and other initiatives in support of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the reform of the United Nations Security Council. The Secretary General commended South Africa for its important role in advancing these efforts.
The President also delivered remarks at the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, where he joined the call to address the fundamental development challenges that have long characterised an unequal world.
“The President emphasised the need for targeted investment, technology transfer and capacity building support especially in key areas such as industralisation, infrastructure, agriculture, water, energy, education and health. The President further underscored the requirement for sustained financial support, including supportive trade policies from the international community,” the Presidency said.
Later on Monday, President Ramaphosa led the business roundtable discussions with the US Chamber of Commerce and the US-Africa Business Center.
President Ramaphosa used the occasion to position South Africa’s economic reform agenda, which is focused on expanding industrial capacity as an opportunity for more US investment that can leverage off the demonstrated manufacturing base of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 12:01
World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) is celebrated on 18 September each year. The South African Department of Water and Sanitation, under the slogan; “Enhancing accountability and sustainability for every drop!” says that World Water Monitoring Day is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness of the importance of protecting water resources around …
President Ramaphosa to deliver eulogy at Prince Buthelezi's funeral
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at the special official funeral of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed this during a press briefing with media houses to update them about the President’s diary at the Union Buildings on Thursday.
Buthelezi passed away on 9 September 2023, at the age of 95.
President Ramaphosa has honoured Buthelezi by declaring his funeral a special official funeral category 1.
“In accordance with the state, official, and provincial official funeral policy of the government, a special official funeral category 1 is a recognition reserved for individuals of extraordinary distinction as designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa,” Magwenya explained.
The funeral, according to the President’s spokesperson, will include elements of military honours.
“The President has directed that flags be flown half-mast at flag stations around the country until the evening of Saturday, which is the day of the funeral,” he added.
G77+China Summit
The First Citizen has delegated International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, to lead South Africa’s delegation to the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China.
The gathering, which will be held on 15 and 16 September, will focus on the role of science, technology and innovation.
“President Ramaphosa values the importance of the Group of 77 and China as the largest intergovernmental organisation of developing countries in the United Nations (UN).”
The platform, according to Magwenya, is where Global South countries can articulate, promote collective economic interests and enhance their collective negotiating capacity.
“This capacity is brought to bear on global issues that are deliberated within the UN system and on the advancement of South-South cooperation for development.
“The President welcomes the opportunity for South Africa to contribute to the Group’s debates, analysis and consensus on the main challenges facing the South,” he added.
UNGA78
Meanwhile, it was announced that President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s delegation to the General Debate of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA78) which takes place from 18 to 26 September 2023 in New York, in the United States.
The President will deliver the South Africa statement to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, 19 September 2023.
A number of high-level engagements will precede the address to the UN General Assembly.
These include summits on Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; Sustainable Development Goals; a High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development; Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response; and Climate Ambition to be hosted by the UN Secretary-General.
President Ramaphosa will also lead discussions during the Presidential Roundtable that will hosted by the United States Chamber of Commerce and the US-Africa Business Centre.
His programme will also include several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of UNGA.
South Africa’s participation at the UN, Magwenya said, is directed by its international relations policy objectives, among others. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/14/2023 - 15:22
“When life gives you lemons, buy a freaking jet” - Lesley Ramulifho
Today we had a look at our MyPR.co.za web site statistics for the month to date of August 2023. We have deployed our own hosted stats software and have been closely watching and comparing these stats – with Google Ananlytics and our global Server Statistics programmes – in order to check the veracity of the …
Dear Editor The DA has been vindicated by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), which declared the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO) controversial contract to build a new multibillion-rand diplomatic headquarters for South Africa’s diplomats in New York as unlawful. Throughout this process, we have consistently maintained that certain factions within the ANC …