Ekurhuleni – President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address at the closing ceremony of the G20 Social Summit, held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni. The summit marked a historic milestone as the first of its kind to take place on African soil. Over three days, leaders from across the globe gathered to discuss key issues surrounding social justice, equality, and sustainable development.
Ramaphosa outlined the summit’s main objectives, which focused on advancing solidarity, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable populations. He urged world leaders to prioritise the welfare of children, tackle child poverty, and combat gender based violence and femicide. He also called for empowering women and youth, alongside strengthening South Africa’s health, education, and social systems.
The President stressed the importance of global cooperation and equitable access to resources, emphasising progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. He acknowledged the critical role of civil society, businesses, and grassroots organisations in shaping global policies that can drive lasting change.
At the conclusion of the summit, President Ramaphosa received the official Declaration of the G20 Social Summit from the Custodians of the Future, nineteen children from South Africa, alongside the leaders of the 22 engagement groups. On World Children’s Day, he commemorated the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, reiterating the need to eliminate child poverty, protect children, and ensure that young people have access to opportunities.
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