Briefing to the General Assembly on the Priorities of South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20
Statement delivered by H.E. Rebecca Bryant, Ambassador and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Australia to the United Nations
24 March 2025
Thank you, Mr President, for presiding over this important session.
As an open, trading nation, Australia deeply values the G20 and welcomes South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 - the first time the G20 is being hosted on the African continent.
Australia supports South Africa’s G20 Presidency and its priorities, including: enhancing disaster risk resilience and response; addressing debt sustainability in developing countries; mobilising finance for the energy transition; and harnessing critical minerals to promote growth.
Australia appreciates the priority that South Africa is placing on inclusive economic growth, food security, AI and innovation, and its commitment to enhancing opportunities for women and youth.
Progress across South Africa’s G20 priorities will be important to advance the shared goals under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These issues are also global challenges in which we all share a collective responsibility.
These efforts are consistent with Australia’s focus on addressing major global challenges, such as climate change, through multilateral cooperation.
Australia welcomes efforts to consider how multilateral institutions and forums like the G20 reflect the world of today and better meet the needs of all countries.
For this reason, the review of ‘G20 at 20’ provides an important opportunity to ensure that the G20 continues to bring value and helps us to meet our collective responsibilities together.
Australia believes we are better off in a world that is governed by agreed rules and norms.
At the same time, we recognise that the system of global governance has not always represented the interests of all, and reform of the system is needed.
Mr President, the greatest foundation for strong, sustainable and inclusive growth and development is peace and stability.
We see all too clearly what happens in the absence of that foundation.
We are living in a world that is increasingly divided, marked by disruptions to global markets, threats to food, energy, the information environment and regional stability.
All conflicts – whether it be in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan or the Democratic Republic of the Congo - threaten stability and prosperity.
In these challenging times, the G20 cannot be static. We must ensure it reflects the world of today and is best placed to address contemporary global economic challenges.
The G20 has a strong legacy of stepping up when the world most needs direction and unity.
Finance Ministers came together following the Asian Financial Crisis, Leaders responded to the Global Financial Crisis, and the G20 united to spare no effort in its response and recovery from COVID-19.
This is because the simple truth remains – we can only address such crises by working together. And by working together through the G20 and in partnership with other Member States we will always achieve better outcomes than going it alone.
We must once again look to the G20 to steer the global economy through our most challenging times and spur collective action.
Mr President, Australia values the G20 and looks forward to productive discussions across workstreams under the guidance of South Africa’s Presidency.
I thank you.