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Security Council must reform – UN Secretary General
Security Council must reform - UN Secretary General
Continued exclusion of developing countries from holding permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council and under representation in world institutions, is a recipe for serious world fragmentation which could lead already existing tensions to boil over.
This is according to the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres who was addressing the media on the last day of the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
“I believe, two areas require a particularly important reform effort. One is the Security Council; the second, the Bretton Woods system. If we are not able to reform our institutions to make sure they reassume a truly universal character, we risk fragmentation, and fragmentation can be one day, a factor of confrontation.
“[History] has shown time and again that multi-polarity without strong multilateral institutions is no guarantee for stability; it might even become a catalyst for chaos. We must urgently restore trust and reinvigorate multilateralism. This requires the courage to compromise for the common good,” Guterres said on Thursday.
The UN Security Council, considered one of the world body’s most powerful groups, is made up of 15 permanent and non-permanent members. The five permanent members are the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, China and Russia.
Africa’s 54 states are represented on the council by three non-permanent seats currently held by Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique.
Driving home his point further, Guterres added that reforms in powerful global institutions require “a special focus on Africa”.
“The Security Council, the Bretton Woods system and other international organisations reflect the world of 1945 when many African countries were still part of European empires. To this day, the continent is under represented in the global financial architecture just as it lacks a permanent seat on the Security Council.
“The world has changed and so, global governments, must change with it. It must represent today’s power and economic relations and not the power and economic relations of 1945,” he said.
He further emphasised that these reforms must transverse institutions “at every level” and also bear greater inclusion of long marginalised groups such as women and youth.
“My message to the leaders assembled here was clear. Our world is in dire straits. We face existential challenges from the worsening climate emergency and escalating conflicts to the global cost of living crisis, soaring inequalities and dramatic technological disruptions. So this is the time to come together and work together,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/24/2023 - 16:11
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Rich countries urged to honour $100-billion climate finance goal
Rich countries urged to honour $100-billion climate finance goal
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged developed countries to keep their promises to developing nations by meeting the climate finance commitment of US$100 billion.
This is after rich nations made a pledge in 2009 to the less wealthy countries at a UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, to assist them in adapting to climate change and alleviate rises in temperature by 2020.
Guterres also called on the wealthy nations to double adaptation finance, replenish the Green Climate Fund, and operationalise the loss and damage fund this year.
“As a matter of justice, Africa must be considered a priority in all these efforts,” he stressed.
He delivered the remarks at the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue, which was held during the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
Guterres said the climate crisis was spiralling out of control and urged world leaders to step up their efforts to tackle it.
“I have put forward a Climate Solidarity Pact in which developed countries provide financial and technical support to help emerging economies – in Africa and beyond – to promote an equitable and just transition to renewable energy.”
He told delegates that he presented an Acceleration Agenda, which aims to see developed countries committing to reach net zero by 2040 and developing nations as close as possible to 2050.
The Secretary-General also touched on the crisis of cost of living.
He stated that poverty, hunger, and inequalities are growing against the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development’s objectives.
“Geopolitical divides and conflicts are multiplying with profound global implications, especially the impacts from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”
Multipolar world
While nations were eyeing a multipolar world, he said multipolarity was not enough to guarantee a peaceful or global community.
“To be a factor of peace, equity, and justice in international relations, multipolarity must be supported by strong and effective multilateral institutions.”
Guterres is advocating for a strengthened and reformed multilateral architecture based on the UN Charter and international law.
“Today’s global governance structures reflect yesterday’s world. They were largely created in the aftermath of World War II when many African countries were still ruled by colonial powers and were not even at the table.
“This is particularly true of the Security Council of the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions.”
For multilateral institutions to remain universal, he said they must reform to reflect today’s power and economic realities.
“In the absence of such reform –– fragmentation is inevitable.”
Cooperation
Guterres said the world cannot afford a divided global economy and financial system, diverging strategies on technology, and conflicting security frameworks.
“The IMF [International Monetary Fund] estimates that such a fracture could cost 7% of global GDP [gross domestic product] – a cost that would be disproportionately borne by low-income countries, mainly in Africa.
“And so I have come to Johannesburg with a simple message, in a fracturing world with overwhelming crises, there is simply no alternative to cooperation.”
He advised leaders to urgently restore trust and reinvigorate multilateralism for the 21st century.
“This requires the courage to compromise in the reforms necessary for the common good.
“It requires full respect for the UN Charter, international law, universal values, and all human rights – social, cultural, economic, civil, and political. And it requires much greater solidarity,” he stressed, admitting that none of this was easy.
“But it is essential. And is essential, especially for Africa.”
He acknowledged that Africa, a historical victim of slavery and colonialism, continues to confront grave injustices.
“On average, African countries pay four times more for borrowing than the United States and eight times more than the wealthiest European countries.”
Guterres also noted that African states account for just 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but are an epicentre of climate chaos.
“Looking ahead, I see two priorities for action and justice. First, on the economic front. Redesigning today’s outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair global financial architecture is necessary, but I know it won’t happen overnight. Yet we can – and must – take practical action now.”
He has since proposed an effective debt workout mechanism, and other steps necessary to multiply the resources available for developing countries are vital for sustainable development in Africa and its people. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/24/2023 - 13:42
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The troubled history of Mangaung prison
The high-security prison is in the spotlight again after the suicide of an inmate this week
Caveat Legal Provides Modern Africa-Focussed Data Compliance Programmes for Companies
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President Ramaphosa sets pace ahead of BRICS Summit
President Ramaphosa sets pace ahead of BRICS Summit
The expansion of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) grouping is expected to be one of the key issues to dominate discussions as leaders of the bloc gather in South Africa this week.
More than 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa will be attending the summit. Furthermore, over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the BRICS family.
In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.
This is a sentiment shared by China, whose Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong on Friday said that the body is “a big family of good partners, based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation”.
“The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said, with less than two days to go before the all-important summit.
As a formation, President Ramaphosa said, BRICS plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.
“BRICS countries can collectively shape global dynamics and acting together, have the potential to drive significant changes in the world economy and international relations.
“An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems that share a common desire to have a more balanced global order,” President Ramaphosa said.
The South African Head of State said collectively, BRICS members have used their voice to call for a world that is more equitable, balanced and governed by an inclusive system of global governance.
“Being a BRICS member has created positive opportunities for South Africa. It has enabled our country to have a strategic relationship with China.
“Based on the strategic relationship between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, we will be signing several agreements during President Xi’s State visit.
“We have steadily strengthened trade and investment ties with other BRICS countries alongside collaboration in areas like development, skills, technology, security and innovation,” President Ramaphosa said.
Funding development
The President said South Africa has benefited from the New Development Bank, which was established by the BRICS countries in 2015.
“Our country has been funded by the bank in several infrastructure projects to the value of R100 billion in sectors such as roads, water, transport and energy. South Africa has always championed the interests of Africa within BRICS.
“We want to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa so that our continent can unlock opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development.
“There are great opportunities for other BRICS countries to participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area by locating production and services in various countries on the African continent, including our own, by partnering with local companies and entrepreneurs,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa explained that the BRICS Summit is particularly important as it is being held as the world is confronted by fundamental challenges that are bound to determine the course of international events for years to come.
“Our world has become increasingly complex and fractured, as it is increasingly polarised into competing camps. Multilateralism is being replaced by the actions of different power blocs, all of which we trade with, invest with, and whose technology we use.
“It is for this reason that South Africa continues to advocate for an open and rules-based global governance, trade, financial and investment system.
“In addition to the other African leaders in attendance, we will also be welcoming leaders from several countries of the Global South. These include countries from the Caribbean and South America, from the Middle East, from West Asia, South Asia and South-East Asia,” President Ramaphosa said.
Supporting global stability
President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa is directly involved in a number of efforts to bring peace to Africa.
“We are currently involved in supporting the people of Mozambique and the DRC to ensure that there is peace and stability in their countries,” the President said.
To further strengthen economic ties between African countries and the United States, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is inviting more than 30 African trade ministers and senior US Administration and Congressional representatives to the next forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) scheduled for November this year.
President Ramaphosa said that South Africa is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.
“Our decision not to align with any one of the global powers does not mean that we are neutral on matters of principle and national interest. Our non-aligned position exists alongside our active support for the struggles of the oppressed and marginalised in different parts of the world.
“We have always believed that the freedom we won – and the international solidarity from which we benefited – imposes a duty on us is to support the struggles of those who continue to experience colonialism and racial oppression,” the President said.
On Tuesday, President Ramaphosa will host His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa.
The welcome ceremony will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place from 22 – 24 August 2023.
Relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029). – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 21:53
395 views
Citizens urged to vaccinate amid confirmed case of COVID Eris variant in Gauteng
Citizens urged to vaccinate amid confirmed case of COVID Eris variant in Gauteng
The National Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed the first case of the new COVID-19 “Eris” variant from a sample taken in Gauteng.
The department has since used this opportunity to remind citizens that they can still access life-saving vaccines at public healthcare facilities, although the World Health Organisation (WHO) has indicated that the new variant presents a low risk to the public.
“This doesn’t mean we should lower our guard because the virus mutates, which means there is no guarantee that its low severity status will remain unchanged to become a higher risk,” the department said, calling on people, especially the elderly and those living with comorbidities, to get the jab.
WHO has now designated Eris, also known as EG.5, as a variant of interest (VOI), a subvariant of the Omicron lineage that originally emerged in November of 2021.
The organisation said there has been a steady increase in this variant’s prevalence, with over 7 000 sequences shared from 51 countries as of 7 August 2023.
EG.5 was first reported on 17 February 2023 and designated as a variant under monitoring (VUM) on 19 July 2023.
The largest portion of EG.5 sequences, according to WHO, are from China, followed by the United States, Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal and Spain.
Globally, WHO said there has been a steady increase in the proportion of EG.5 reported.
However, based on the available evidence, the agency said the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low at the global level, aligning with the risk associated with XBB.1.16 and the other currently circulating variant of interests (VOIs).
“While EG.5 has shown increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties, there have been no reported changes in disease severity to date.
“While concurrent increases in the proportion of EG.5 and COVID-19 hospitalisations, lower than previous waves, have been observed in countries such as Japan and the Republic of Korea, no associations have been made between these hospitalisations and EG.5.”
However, due to its growth advantage and immune escape characteristics, the organisation said EG.5 may cause a rise in case incidence and become dominant in some countries or even globally. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 13:21
179 views
The Myth of Crypto Being Mainly Used By Criminals
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