Here's how G20 Summit charts a just climate future

THE curtain has fallen, and despite all voices and mixed echoes of what was possible through our G20 Presidency, South Africa has delivered a resoundingly successful G20, and a promising outcome.

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THE G20 Summit took place last weekend.

(THABO MAKWAKWA IOL)

For the first time ever, the world’s most powerful economies convened on African soil at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg last weekend. This gathering was more than a diplomatic milestone, it was a celebration of Ubuntu, which teaches that our humanity is bound together.

The Summit's declaration states that “...individual nations cannot thrive in isolation...” I am because we are, this principle of Ubuntu set the tone, reminding leaders that global challenges like climate change demand unity and solidarity. President CyrilRamaphosa underscored this ethos at the historic Summit, affirming our common humanity and the value of partnership and cooperation in solving shared problems.

Despite the geopolitical difficulties, and a multiple combination onslaught on multilateralism, the Summit was a proud moment for South Africa and the Global South, marking a new era where African voices and values of partnership, community, leaving no one behind took centre stage on the global platform.

Hosting the G20 in Africa sent a powerful signal: those most affected by climate change are leading the conversation on solutions. The Summit's theme of Ubuntu reminded every nation that no country can tackle climate change alone. This spirit of togetherness and justice framed discussions and shaped bold commitments that chart a more equitable climate future for all.

The recommitment of the world leaders to multilateralism is most welcomed.