Ramaphosa urges G20 leaders to address global inequality

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the G20 to urgently tackle global inequality, describing it as a central pillar of South Africa’s G20 Presidency alongside solidarity and sustainability.

- HOPE NTANZI [e-mail]

In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa said: “We chose to focus on equality because it is essential to a more stable, prosperous and sustainable world”

He emphasised that if the G20 is to address pressing global economic and financial issues, it must “significantly and urgently reduce inequality.

Highlighting the stark disparities in wealth distribution, the President noted that the world’ richest 10% account for more than half of total global income and 74% of global wealth, with one in four people facing moderate or severe food insecurity.

He warned that such inequalities “are unjust and consign billions of people to poverty” and argued that inequality undermines democracy, fuels conflict, and stifles inclusive economic growth.