Page 32

As the unfolding multi-polar world order takes shape, formations such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are indicative of the shared resolve to assume ownership of our development paths.Such formations are intended as a conduit for addressing the needs of all global citizens. Addressing common development challenges is integral to building a better future for all humankind, as evidenced by the collaboration that exists between the BRICS nations and their various international partners.Our joint efforts were further manifested in the successful adoption of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has the potential to eradicate poverty.Revitalising the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development can only be fully achieved if supported by the concrete policies and actions outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, also adopted in 2015; and which is an integral part of the 2030 Agenda. The Means of Implementation is fundamental to the success of countries meeting their developmental needs, and achieving the SDGs, yet it is the one area that has received neither the appropriate attention, nor the requisite priority.African countries are implementing the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 of the African Union in an integrated manner. This is to ensure that we secure and utilise natural resources sustainably.In the lead up to the 23rd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, we are confident that international solidarity will prevail and that countries will encourage and support each other in the implementation of their various contributions and obligations.The world has witnessed a number of terror attacks in recent times. South Africa strongly condemns these horrendous acts and believes that, to fight this scourge, it is imperative for the global community to unite as one and to intensify its collective efforts to counter the challenges that this poses to the international community at large. It remains our conviction that, given terrorism’s global reach, international cooperation in countering this threat is critical. South Africa, therefore, fully supports the global campaign against terrorism within the framework of the United Nations.JACOB ZUMA, PRESIDENT, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICAPROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL PROGRESS FOR ALL“ADDRESSING COMMON DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES IS INTEGRAL TO BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL HUMANKIND”Pictured below: President Jacob Zuma addressing the BRICS Summit plenary session at the Xiamen International Conference Centre032 THE G20 MEMBER COUNTRIES