Ramaphosa’s Call on G20: Parliaments Must Bridge Gap Between Citizens and Global Goals Amid Rising Populism, Xenophobia
Ramaphosa’s Call on G20: Parliaments Must Bridge Gap Between Citizens and Global Goals Amid Rising Populism, Xenophobia
The 11th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit opened in South Africa’s Western Cape — the first time it has been hosted on African soil.
Key messages from the opening:
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa (via Justice Minister Kubayi):
🟠The summit is “a call to action” for advancing solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
🟠Warned that “rising populism, xenophobia, and extreme forms of nationalism threaten to undermine solidarity.”
🟠Urged parliaments to “restore the bonds of trust and make all citizens part of the effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
SA's National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza:
🟠Highlighted intersecting crises: COVID-19 aftershocks, geopolitical tensions, conflicts, climate change, and rapid tech advances.
🟠Set priorities: disaster resilience, just energy transition, debt sustainability, inclusive growth through critical minerals, and empowerment of women and youth.
Inter-Parliamentary Union Vice President Gabriela Morawska-Stanecka:
🟠Linked peace to social justice, stressing parliamentary diplomacy as key to global stability.
“Solidarity is not a slogan. It is a moral and political obligation.”
Pan-African Parliament President Fortune Charumbira:
🟠Insisted parliaments cannot be bystanders in tackling climate, inequality, and insecurity.
🟠Called for reforms in global governance, including permanent African representation on the UN Security Council.
🟠Pushed for parliamentary leadership in climate justice, food and energy security, peacebuilding, and ethical AI legislation.
Big picture: Across the opening statements, a common thread emerged — parliaments must move beyond debate chambers to become bridges of trust, drivers of reform, and engines of global solidarity.
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