Manuel appointed to UN body as global debt crisis looms

The appointment of former minister of finance Trevor Manuel to serve in a group of prominent experts announced by the UN to find policy solutions to the debt crisis in the world, has been hailed as world recognition of the country's talent.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

UN secretary-general António Guterres named Manuel as part of the group last week.

He is not the first South African to be posted to UN structures to contribute in making a difference in various world situations.

Former deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka served under secretary-general and executive director of UN Women from 2013 to 2021 and judge Navi Pillay is the UN high commissioner for human rights since 2008.

Several others served in different agencies and fields including diplomacy, military peacekeeping and health care in the UN.

According to a UN statement on Friday, the group of prominent experts will promote actionable policy solutions and galvanise political and public support required to resolve the debt crisis.

Its work will inform the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, an intergovernmental process facilitated by the UN from 30 June to 3 July, 2025, in Sevilla, Spain.