Pretoria – UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked that Africa, with its rapidly growing youthful population, vast cultural and natural diversity, and exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, faces challenges rooted in the injustices left by colonialism.

The Secretary-General conveyed these insights during his visit to Pretoria on Wednesday, (11 December 2024).

Expressing his joy at returning to South Africa, Guterres extended his gratitude to President Ramaphosa and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola for their warm reception today.

In his discussions with Minister Lamola, Guterres was able to align views and continue conversations regarding the G20 presidency priorities, advancing the pact for the future, and expediting initiatives aimed at sustainable development and climate commitments.

“Africa is a continent bursting with a vibrant and growing young population, rich cultural and natural resources, and an extraordinary entrepreneurial drive,” Guterres commented.

“However, this tremendous potential is consistently suppressed by injustices rooted in the colonial past.”

“The current imbalances in the global financial system impose heavy debt burdens on nations while restricting their access to affordable financing required to tackle poverty, inequality, and hunger, and to make strides toward the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Beyond addressing the enduring injustices linked to colonialism, Guterres expressed his worries to the press about the turmoil in the Middle East.

“At this juncture, we are witnessing a transformation in the Middle East, characterized by shifting power dynamics among key regional actors, coupled with the tragic situation faced by the Palestinian people, whose right to self-determination and statehood must be consistently reaffirmed,” Guterres stated.

“Nonetheless, we also see glimmers of hope, mainly connected to the decline of the Syrian dictatorship.”

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN’s “full commitment” to supporting a seamless power transition, ensuring an inclusive political process respecting the rights of all minorities, and paving the way for a united and sovereign Syria with restored territorial integrity.

“My Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen, is engaging all essential stakeholders to help achieve these objectives,” Guterres highlighted.

“I trust the Syrian people to determine their own destiny.”

He framed his presence in South Africa as a testament to solidarity and justice.

“I come at a crucial time as South Africa takes on the G20 presidency.”

Reflecting on Africa, Guterres underscored the continent’s undeniable potential.

He pointed out that injustices linked to escalating climate chaos – of which Africans are minimally responsible – are causing floods, storms, famine, and deadly droughts throughout the continent.

“I stand united with President Ramaphosa and the people of Africa in the pursuit of justice on all fronts,” Guterres asserted.

“Africa deserves financial justice.”

Earlier this September, global leaders endorsed the Pact for the Future.

This Pact commits to significant reforms designed to make the international financial system more representative of the contemporary global economy while prioritizing the needs of developing nations.

It emphasizes initiatives to advance an SDG Stimulus.

Additionally, it advocates for significantly enhancing the lending capabilities of Multilateral Development Banks to make them larger, more ambitious, and better equipped to support developing countries.

Furthermore, it seeks to mobilize increased international and domestic resources, both public and private, for vital investments.

“Last week, I appointed a group of leading experts to rally international support for addressing debt, and I’m delighted that Trevor Manuel will contribute to this important endeavor,” the Secretary-General noted.

He emphasized that Africa, at the forefront of the climate crisis, is in need of “climate justice.”

Despite being a minimal contributor to emissions, climate change is profoundly affecting the continent’s populations and economies.

Africa is experiencing warming at a pace exceeding the global average.

“We must strive to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avert this crisis from spiraling further out of control,” Guterres insisted.

“By next year, nations must present new economy-wide national climate action plans – referred to as NDCs – aligned with the 1.5-degree target.”

“As the leading emitters, the G20 must take the initiative.”

These new plans should cover all emissions and the entire economy, fast-track the phase-out of fossil fuels, and contribute to the energy transition goals agreed upon at COP28.

Guterres added that developed nations must aid emerging economies in acquiring technological capabilities and expertise to drastically reduce fossil fuel use and speed up the renewable energy transition in a swift and equitable manner.

This involves creating innovative models of international collaboration, like the Just Energy Transition Partnership, first pioneered by South Africa and later replicated in several Asian nations.

Guterres elaborated that this also necessitates developed countries keeping their financial commitments by doubling adaptation financing and significantly contributing to the Loss and Damage Fund.

“There’s a little-known story,” he pointed out.

“When the Loss and Damage Fund was set up, the initial pledges equated to the total annual salaries of the ten highest-paid football players globally.”

“This underscores that discussions regarding the Loss and Damage Fund must tackle serious issues.”

“This example showcases that considerable efforts are needed to ensure the Loss and Damage Fund properly supports developing nations.”

The Secretary-General stated that the world must aid Africa in establishing green economies that pivot on renewable energy.

“It is ludicrous that Africa holds 60 percent of the world’s most optimal solar resources yet attracts only two percent of global solar energy investments,” Guterres emphasized.

“We must rectify this situation.”

“We also need to ensure that Africa’s valuable mineral resources, which can propel the global renewable revolution, primarily benefit the African people.”

“We must prevent replicating past errors.”

The UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, co-chaired by South Africa, has outlined a series of principles and recommendations aimed at empowering communities, fostering accountability, and ensuring that clean energy promotes equitable and resilient growth, maximizing advantages for producing nations instead of merely exporting low-value raw materials.

The Secretary-General stressed that Africa also requires technological justice.

“Africa must not be left out in this tech revolution nor be silenced as the world formulates frameworks to leverage technology’s benefits and address risks,” he remarked, adding, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) serves as a prime illustration.”

The Global Digital Compact, adopted in September, presents the first universal framework for AI governance, facilitating inclusivity among all nations.

It advocates for an independent international Scientific Panel on AI and the initiation of a global dialogue on its governance within the United Nations.

It also calls for innovative voluntary financing approaches to bolster AI capacity in developing countries, ensuring they are not marginalized.

Ultimately, Africa requires the kind of justice that only peace can offer.

Guterres assured that the United Nations will persist in its endeavors to prevent and resolve conflicts affecting the continent, working closely with African regional organizations.

“This includes addressing the crisis in Sudan,” he stated.

“We need all involved parties to cease hostilities and commit to a pathway towards sustainable peace and accountability for the Sudanese people.”

“We will further enhance our collaboration to promote human rights and combat terrorism and violent extremism.”

He described the recent resolution by the UN Security Council to support African-led peace operations as a beneficial step towards strengthening “our partnership.”

Guterres added: “We must heed the call within the Pact for the Future to explore expanding representation on the UN Security Council — an evident instance of injustice within the global peace and security framework.”

“Africa remains without a single permanent member on the Security Council, which is entirely unacceptable.”

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we near the close of this year, I deliver a straightforward message:

2025 must embody a year of justice for Africa.

“I am keen to collaborate with the G20 Presidency of South Africa to realize justice for the people of this extraordinary continent,” Guterres concluded.

“Meanwhile, we will support all of South Africa’s initiatives in its roles of mediation and justice, both within Africa and across other regions of the world.”