President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the G20 Social Summit as a historic moment for global cooperation. He delivered the remarks on Thursday at the close of the three-day civil society gathering held in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
The event brought together nearly 5,000 delegates, including young people and women. The concept of the Social Summit originated in Brazil, and South Africa expanded participation from 14 social groups to 22. The Summit also introduced seven Legacy Projects aimed at strengthening social development initiatives.
Ramaphosa said the gathering had given practical expression to global solidarity.
“History too will record this year as a milestone for global cooperation. We affirm the historic nature, not only of the first summit of the G20 to take place on African soil, but also of this Social Summit, a gathering of peoples from across the world. It is our expectation that this Social Summit will be remembered for being far more than a marketplace of ideas,” he said.
He compared the moment to global events that amplified the voice of the Global South, saying the Summit should be remembered for giving real meaning to global unity and cooperation.
