UN Chief Heads to Africa to Focus on G20 and Climate Change Impacts
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is set to embark on a trip to Southern Africa this week, visiting South Africa and Lesotho. In South Africa, Guterres will meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa and other senior officials to discuss the country’s upcoming presidency of the G20.
South Africa Takes the Helm
Beginning December 1, South Africa became the first African nation to chair the powerful G20 economic bloc. The G20 consists of both developed and developing countries, collectively representing about 85% of the world’s GDP, more than 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the global population.
“The secretary-general will underscore that with South Africa taking the G20 helm and being the first African country to preside over the G20, there is a significant opportunity for the G20 to help advance Africa’s priorities,” U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters. “Discussions will focus on global and regional issues, but especially on South Africa’s G20 presidency next year, and its leadership on financing for development,” Dujarric added.
South Africa’s presidency follows those of fellow BRICS members India in 2023 and Brazil in 2024. South African officials have stated that they will prioritize global solidarity, sustainable development, and reducing inequality, continuing much of Brazil’s agenda.
A senior U.N. official emphasized that South Africa’s presidency will provide a platform to highlight development challenges on the continent, particularly the critical need for sufficient financing for development.
Lesotho:Bearing the Brunt of Climate Change
Following his visit to South Africa, Guterres will travel to neighboring Lesotho, a small landlocked nation entirely surrounded by South Africa.
There, Guterres will meet with King Letsie III, the prime minister, and address the Lesotho parliament. The U.N. chief intends to use this visit to highlight the devastating impacts of climate change in the region.
“The visit to Lesotho is symbolic as it is a small landlocked country that has suffered the dramatic impacts of climate change, which cost African economies billions of dollars each year,” his spokesperson stated. “According to the U.N., Lesotho is trending toward dryer and hotter weather, which could negatively affect the nation’s water supply.”
Guterres’ itinerary includes a visit to the Katse Dam, a vital component of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and crucial for water management across the region.
How can South Africa effectively leverage its G20 presidency to address the issue of climate change mitigation and adaptation, particularly in vulnerable African communities?
## Interview with Dr. Abena Mensah on South Africa’s G20 Presidency
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Mensah. This week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres is visiting South Africa to discuss the country’s upcoming G20 presidency. What are the stakes for South Africa and the broader African continent with this historic role?
**Dr. Mensah:** This is a momentous occasion for South Africa and indeed for the entire African continent. As the first African nation to chair the G20, South Africa has a unique opportunity to amplify African voices and priorities on the global stage.
The G20, as we know, represents a significant portion of global economic and political power, accounting for roughly 85% of global GDP [[1](https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sas-g20-presidency-prioritise-africa-and-global-south)].
This gives South Africa a platform to advocate for issues critical to Africa’s development, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, equitable trade practices, and increased investment in sustainable development.
**Interviewer:** What specific issues might South Africa focus on during its presidency?
**Dr. Mensah:** We can expect South Africa to prioritize issues concerning the Global South, including debt relief, reforming global financial institutions to better serve developing countries, and addressing the ongoing impacts of climate change, particularly on vulnerable communities.
South Africa has already expressed its commitment to ensuring that the G20 serves as a platform for bridging divides and building a more inclusive and equitable global order [ [1](https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sas-g20-presidency-prioritise-africa-and-global-south)].
This focus on inclusivity and collaboration will be vital in navigating complex global challenges.
**Interviewer:** Do you think South Africa is well-positioned to lead the G20?
**Dr. Mensah:** South Africa has demonstrated its diplomatic capabilities on the global stage. It holds a respected position within the African Union and has a proven track record of promoting multilateralism.
However, the challenges are significant. South Africa will need to navigate diverse perspectives within the G20 and build consensus on complex issues. Its success will depend on its ability to forge partnerships and build momentum for concrete action.
**Interviewer:** This visit by the UN Secretary-General seems strategically timed. What message do you think he hopes to deliver to South Africa?
**Dr. Mensah:** I believe the Secretary-General’s visit is an expression of support for South Africa’s leadership and an opportunity to emphasize the importance of the G20 in addressing pressing global challenges. His presence underscores the global significance of South Africa’s G20 presidency and the potential for positive impact.
The Secretary-General will likely encourage South Africa to utilize its platform to champion multilateral solutions and advance a sustainable future for all.
