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India: Prime Minister participates in India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting in Johannesburg

Source: APO


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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the IBSA Leaders’ Meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The meeting was hosted by the President of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and attended by the President of Brazil, H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

2. Describing the meeting as timely, Prime Minister noted that it coincided with the first G20 Summit on African soil and marked the culmination of four consecutive G20 presidencies by Global South countries, out of which the last three were by the IBSA members. This, he noted, has resulted in several important initiatives focussed on human-centric development, multilateral reform and sustainable growth.

3. Prime Minister emphasized that IBSA is not just a group of three countries but an important platform connecting three continents, three major democratic nations, and three major economies.

4. Prime Minister stressed that global governance institutions are far removed from 21st century realities. He called on IBSA to send a strong message that reform of institutions of global governance, in particular the UN Security Council, is now not an option, but an imperative.

5. On counter-terrorism, Prime Minister emphasized the need for close coordination and that there should be no room for double standards while fighting terrorism. Highlighting technology’s crucial role in ensuring human-centric development, Prime Minister proposed establishing an ‘IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance’ to facilitate sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure like UPI, health platforms like CoWIN, cybersecurity frameworks and women-led tech initiatives among the three countries.

6. Prime Minister also emphasized IBSA’s potential to contribute to the development of safe, trustworthy and human-centric AI norms. He invited IBSA leaders to the AI Impact Summit to be held in India next year.

7. Prime Minister stated that IBSA can complement each other’s development and become an example for sustainable growth. He highlighted cooperation opportunities in areas such as millets, natural farming, disaster resilience, green energy, traditional medicines and health security.

8. Appreciating the IBSA Fund’s work in supporting projects across forty countries in sectors like education, health, women empowerment and solar energy, Prime Minister proposed IBSA Fund for Climate Resilient Agriculture to further advance South-South cooperation. Prime Minister’s full speech can be found [here].

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

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India: Prime Minister meets with President of South Africa on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Johannesburg

Source: APO


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Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today met H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. Prime Minister thanked President Ramaphosa for the warm hospitality and successful conduct of the Summit. He appreciated South African G20 efforts to take forward and build on decisions arrived during the New Delhi G20 Summit.

2. Recalling the historical ties that underpin India – South Africa ties, both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields of cooperation, including trade and investment, food security, skill development, mining, youth exchange and people-to- people ties. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of AI, Digital Public Infrastructure and critical minerals. The leaders welcomed the growing presence of Indian firms in South Africa and agreed to facilitate mutual investments, especially in infrastructure, technology, innovation, mining and start-up sectors. Prime Minister thanked President Ramaphosa for South African cheetah relocation to India and invited him to join the International Big Cat Alliance led by India.

3. The leaders agreed to work jointly to amplify the voice of the Global South. In this context, Prime Minister appreciated the initiative take by South Africa to hold IBSA leaders meeting. President Ramaphosa assured South Africa’s full support to India’s upcoming Chairship of BRICS in 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

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Prime Minister Støre visits Norwegian-owned solar power plant in South Africa

Source: APO


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On 21 November Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre visited a Norwegian-owned solar power plant in South Africa. The company that owns the plant has provided renewable energy to 200 000 households, and a number of Norwegian companies are now investing in solar power in South Africa.

‘Some 600 million people on the African continent lack access to electricity. At the same time, Africa has an abundance of sunshine, which is a good source of renewable energy. I had the chance to see how Norwegian companies are helping to produce renewable energy. This solar energy plant is serving both to reduce emissions and create growth,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Big plans

The Prime Minister visited the Damlaagte and Ilikwa solar power plants in the Free State province in South Africa. The facilities were developed by Mainstream Renewable Power, in which Norway’s Aker Horizons ASA is a major shareholder. Together, these two power plants will be able to supply electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of roughly 120 000 households.

South Africa is currently highly dependent on coal, which accounts for approximately 85 % of the country’s power production.

‘Norway is an energy nation, and our knowledge and expertise are making a difference far beyond our own borders. These solar power plants are an excellent example of how Norwegian investments are being used to advance the green transition across the world. Plants such as this also create new jobs,’ said the Prime Minister.

The Damlaagte project employed more than 1 700 workers during its construction and has a permanent staff of 19 to oversee operations. Mainstream Renewable Power has developed and built 850 MW of renewable energy generation assets in South Africa and is planning to establish a further 12 GW in the coming years. This is equivalent to the electricity consumption of 2.8 million households.

Public and private

‘This project demonstrates how private companies and the public sector can work together to achieve common goals. Norad provided NOK 20 million in grants for feasibility studies. This made it possible to identify and lower potential risks to companies, which facilitated realisation of the project. Norway can help to accelerate the energy transition by making profitable investments, and sharing its technology, knowledge and experience. This is an approach that we are proud to support,’ said the Prime Minister.

Norway is investing widely in renewable energy development in South Africa. Norway is supporting South Africa’s long-term plan to phase out coal, and helping to mitigate the country’s energy crisis and implement the green transition. Norwegian companies such as Scatec, Aker ASA (through Mainstream Renewable Power), Magnora, and Valinor/Norsk Renewables have won numerous tenders for projects in South Africa since 2010, including projects involving large solar power plants, wind farms and hybrid systems combining solar power and battery storage systems.

Norfund (the Norwegian investment fund for developing countries) has invested approximately NOK 5 billion in South Africa, predominantly in renewable energy efforts. These investments have helped to boost capacity, create new jobs and reduce emissions.

Facts

  • Some 40 % of the world’s electricity now comes from non-fossil sources. Renewable energy production, especially solar power, has expanded more rapidly than previously anticipated.
  • In 2024 approximately 15 times more solar power was installed than the International Energy Agency’s estimated in its World Energy Outlook 2015 . At the global level, four times more solar power has been installed than the IEA forecasted in 2015.
  • 600 million people on the African continent lack access to electricity. This lowers the standard of living and poses obstacles to development.
  • South Africa is currently highly dependent on coal, which accounts for approximately 85 % of the country’s power production. A number of Norwegian companies are investing in South Africa to advance the green transition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Government of Norway.

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Global inequality is as urgent as climate change: the world needs a panel of experts to steer solutions

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Joseph E. Stiglitz, Professor, Columbia Business School, Columbia University

Given the escalating scale of inequality in the world, shouldn’t countries be banding together to set up an international panel on the issue, along the same lines as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body set up to assess the science related to climate change? The idea of setting up an international panel on inequality has been recommended by the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality.

The thinking behind the panel is set out in a report delivered to the G20 by the experts on the inequality committee. They argue that the proposed inequality panel would “support governments and multilateral agencies with authoritative assessments and analyses of inequality”. It wouldn’t make any recommendations for countries. Rather it would offer a menu of policies that could be used to address inequality. Panel leader and Nobel laureaute Joseph E. Stiglitz explains what’s behind the idea.

What are the report’s main findings on inequality?

Our report looked at the research on the state of inequality – and the conclusion should alarm us all. Wealth inequality is far worse than income inequality and has intensified in most countries over the last 40 years.

The global increase in income and wealth at the upper end of the scale is particularly worrying. The very richest people are amassing fortunes while ordinary people’s lives stagnate. For every dollar of wealth created since the year 2000, 41 cents have gone to the richest 1% of people, while just one cent has gone to the bottom 50%.

This wealth brings huge influence over economies and politics, threatening economic performance and the very foundations of democracy.

What does the report recommend the G20 countries do to deal with inequality?

Inequality is a choice. There are policies that can reduce it. These include more progressive taxation, debt relief, rewriting global trade rules and curbing monopolies.

Read more: Inequality in Africa: what drives it, how to end it and what some countries are getting right

Our committee found that there has been significant progress in tracking inequality’s scale, drivers and policy solutions. Nevertheless, policymakers still lack sufficient, dependable or accessible information on inequality.

There is a great institutional need for strong inequality analysis.

In 1988, governments set up the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to assess the data and provide rigorous analyses to help governments tackle the climate emergency. Today, we are in an inequality emergency and need a similar global effort.

That is why our primary recommendation is to establish an International Panel on Inequality.

Drawing from the report, what do you recommend South Africa should do to reduce inequality?

South Africa has shown extraordinary leadership in focusing its G20 presidency on solidarity, equality and sustainability. This report is testament to that. We hope that South Africa will continue to champion our recommendations, particularly the establishment of an International Panel on Inequality.

Our committee chose not to comment on specific policies in specific countries. But our report contains a menu of policies which can tackle inequality. These include national measures like stronger competition laws, pro-worker regulation, investing in public services, and more progressive tax and expenditure policies.

– Global inequality is as urgent as climate change: the world needs a panel of experts to steer solutions
– https://theconversation.com/global-inequality-is-as-urgent-as-climate-change-the-world-needs-a-panel-of-experts-to-steer-solutions-270102

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SA pushes for stronger IBSA bloc to drive inclusive growth

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) leaders to reinvigorate South-South cooperation to drive inclusive economic growth, advance sustainable development and accelerate reforms to global governance institutions.

“South Africa wishes that, as IBSA, we revitalise our interactions and renew our determination to advance our founding goals,”President Ramaphosa said on Sunday in Johannesburg. 

President Ramaphosa hosted India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio, at a high-level IBSA meeting on the sidelines of the second day of the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit taking place in Johannesburg. 

IBSA is a forum that brings together India, Brazil and South Africa – three large democracies and major economies from three different continents, facing similar challenges.

The forum was established to deepen South-South cooperation, coordinate positions on global issues, and promoting trilateral partnerships.

“Our cooperation is grounded in the daily realities of our people. Together, we must champion ambitious reform of the global governance institutions.

“We must reinvigorate commitments to climate action and deepen cooperation on just energy transitions. We must safeguard food and health security and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably,” President Ramaphosa said.

He urged IBSA leaders to position themselves as co-architects of a more representative and responsive multilateral system.

“The structural fault in the global economy – the growing gap between the rich and the poor and deepening poverty and underdevelopment – can only effectively be addressed through a new paradigm of inclusive economic growth.

“Through initiatives like the IBSA Fund, we continue to demonstrate the practical value of our association, particularly in the assistance provided for those most in need.

“I am, therefore, delighted that we will be signing a collaboration agreement on foundational learning as a follow up of the agreement that has been signed by the three IBSA Education Ministers,” the President said.

South Africa is hosting Heads of State and Government from the world’s largest economies at the first G20 Summit held on African soil under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

“The world in which we live is changing rapidly and dramatically. It is clear that the countries of IBSA are ready to be part of global change and to work for a better future.

“India, Brazil and South Africa are not merely participating in global economic governance, but are working to shape the global agenda,” the President said.

He said IBSA stands out as a testament to the durability of principled and constructive cooperation.

“Our grouping affirms that diversity is not a fault line but a source of strength. It reminds us that collaboration among equals is indispensable to global peace, prosperity and stability,” the President said.

G20 members include the world’s major economies, representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

The G20 comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union, and since 2023, the African Union. – SAnews.gov.za

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest-Africaine (UEMOA) and Senegal officially launch ECOFEST 2025 at a press conference in Dakar

Source: APO


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The starting signal for the first edition of ECOFEST was given on Thursday, 20th of November 2025 by the Senegalese Minister of Culture, Crafts and Tourism, Mr Amadou BA, during a press conference held at the Museum of Black Civilisations. Jointly organised by the ECOWAS Commission, the UEMOA Commission and the Republic of Senegal, the West African Arts and Culture Festival will be held from 30 November to 6 December 2025 in Dakar.

Alongside the Secretary of State for Historical Heritage and Cultural and Creative Industries, Mr Bakary SARR, and in the presence of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, the Minister presented the progress of preparations and the main themes of the festival. He emphasised that Senegal is hosting ECOFEST ‘‘with responsibility and humility, recalling that creativity and cultural industries are a real driver of growth, dialogue and regional integration.

ECOFEST aims to be a unifying, multidisciplinary and open space, promoting the artistic, cultural and culinary heritage of West Africa. This year’s edition will place particular emphasis on the theme of the year: socio-political changes and crises in West Africa, and the decisive role of culture in peace, cohesion and living together. Exhibitions, shows, professional meetings, artistic residencies and spaces for reflection will punctuate this week dedicated to exchanges and bringing peoples together.

Secretary of State Bakary SARR emphasised the symbolic and community dimension of the festival, recalling that integration, social cohesion and cultural development are at the heart of the values upheld by ECOWAS and UEMOA. Finally, Minister Amadou BA praised the mobilisation of cultural and institutional actors, affirming that Dakar is ready to welcome the delegations, artists and audiences expected for this first edition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) intenfies high-level engagements ahead of Guinea-Bissau’s general elections

Source: APO


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The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau undertook a full day of political, diplomatic and technical engagements as part of its preparations for the country’s Presidential and Legislative Elections scheduled for 23 November 2025.

Led by the Head of Mission, Ambassador Issufu Baba Braimah Kamara, and supported by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Mission continued its consultations with national authorities and electoral stakeholders to assess the country’s state of readiness for the polls.

The assessment began with an internal briefing by the technical team to the Head of Mission, during which updates were provided on the medium-term observers deployed across the country since 14th November. The session also reviewed operational preparedness, early voting arrangements for security forces, and the broader political and security environment.

The delegation then proceeded to the Presidential Palace for a courtesy call on H.E. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who welcomed the Mission and expressed confidence in the conduct of the upcoming elections.

On his part, Ambassador Kamara outlined the mandate and scope of the EOM, reaffirming ECOWAS’ long-standing commitment to supporting democratic consolidation in Guinea-Bissau.

The Mission also had an exchange with the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) Observation Mission, enabling both organisations to share insights on the competitiveness of the electoral landscape and the functioning of electoral institutions.

In the early afternoon, the ECOWAS Resident Representative to Guinea Bissau, Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje convened a plenary session to welcome the 120 short-term observers arriving for deployment. Addressing the observers, Commissioner Musah highlighting the importance of professionalism, impartiality and preventive diplomacy. Ambassador Kamara who formally opened the Mission, urged observers to adhere strictly to ECOWAS’ methodology and code of conduct.

The delegation later visited the National Election Commission (CNE) for substantive consultation with Acting Chairman N’Pabi Cabi. The CNE provided an update on the legal, logistical and administrative preparations, including regional readiness and coordination mechanisms for results management. ECOWAS reaffirmed the centrality of the CNE in guaranteeing transparency and credibility and encouraged the consolidation of institutional safeguards ahead of election day.

The Head of Mission also received a delegation led by Mr. Geraldo Martins, representing independent presidential candidate Fernando Dias da Costa. The meeting provided an opportunity to hear the candidate’s perspectives on the political environment and the ongoing preparations for the polls, enriching the Mission’s broader assessment of stakeholder confidence in the electoral process.

The Mission is deployed under the authority of ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray and in accordance with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

Consultations with political actors, civil society, security institutions and international partners will continue as the Mission prepares to deploy observers nationwide.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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JMPD warns of major delays amid G20 convoys

Source: Government of South Africa

With a high volume of VIP movements expected as G20 Leaders’ Summit delegates depart, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has warned motorists to expect full intermittent closures on highways and major arterial routes to allow official convoys to pass.

As today marks the final day of the summit, JMPD said the rolling closures are active and may cause sudden, standstill traffic lasting between 30 and 60 minutes.

The most critical times for the disruptions are between 07:00 and 10:00, and again from 15:00 to 20:00.

The following road closures will be in effect on Sunday:

•    Nasrec Precinct (Summit Venue): Nasrec Road: Closed between Rand Show Road and Shaft 17 Road.
•    Rand Show Road: Northern portion closed between the N1 and Nasrec Road.
•    Golden Highway: Closed between Rand Show Road and Soweto Highway.
•    Booysens Reserve Road: Closed near Crownwood Road.

“In Sandton and Rosebank, disruptions are expected on Grayston Drive, Rivonia Road, Maude Street, Oxford Road, and Jan Smuts Avenue, as dignitaries move between their accommodations,” the department said in a statement on Sunday.

Suggested alternatives include:

•    Roodepoort: Use Beyers Naudé Drive, Christiaan De Wet, or Ontdekkers Roads.
•    Sandton/North: Use smaller side streets parallel to Rivonia/Oxford (though these will still be busy).
•    South: Use Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, or Soweto Highway, (where open) to bypass the Nasrec lockdown.

Severe thunderstorm warnings

The department also noted that weather services have issued warnings for severe thunderstorms across Gauteng.

“The combination of slippery roads, poor visibility, and heavy G20 congestion significantly increases the risk of accidents. We urge drivers to maintain a safe following distance and always keep their headlights on.

“As of this morning, no new massive highway blockages have been reported, but the network is extremely fragile. Any minor accident will cause gridlock due to the existing G20 pressure.”

Motorists are advised to avoid highways including the N1, M1, N12, R21, and R24 where possible. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Ramaphosa hails G20 declaration as victory for multilateralism

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called the G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration a significant confirmation of the value of multilateralism and the necessity of dialogue.

G20 leaders yesterday adopted a declaration on the climate crisis and other global challenges at the very start of their summit, breaking with long-standing tradition. 

Despite weeks of tough negotiations and the absence of the United States, South Africa succeeded in securing a consensus firmly on its own terms.

“Today, we have adopted the leaders’ declaration of the G20 South Africa Summit, in which we outline the far-reaching actions on which we have agreed to build a better, more equal and sustainable world,” the President said at the G20 leaders’ reception last night.

The G20 declaration commits major economies to tackling global inequality, reforming international financial systems to ease debt pressures on developing countries, and boosting inclusive growth with a strong focus on Africa and the broader Global South. 

It also emphasises climate action, renewable energy transitions, and strengthened multilateral cooperation to advance peace, sustainability, and development worldwide.

The President expressed appreciation to all participating countries for their contributions to the final agreement.

“As South Africa, we have sought to place Africa’s development firmly on the agenda of the G20. We have done so not only because this is the first time the G20 is being held in Africa, but because Africa’s success is so important to progress and prosperity across the globe. 

“While our challenges are many, our capacity to confront them is great. As we share this meal, let us remember why the G20 exists – to bring nations together, to bridge divides, and to forge solutions that none of us could achieve alone.” 

He contemplated the journey taken and leaders collaborating to reaffirm the G20’s role as a platform for constructive dialogue and meaningful international cooperation.

“In South Africa, we speak of the spirit of Ubuntu. It teaches us that progress is not a solitary pursuit but a shared endeavour. That our strength lies in our shared humanity. This spirit has guided our Presidency.” 

President Ramaphosa emphasised that this spirit is strengthened by their support, collaboration, and shared commitment to creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

“For this, I extend my deepest appreciation to each of you and your countries. Throughout the year, we have worked to advance areas central to global well-being…

“We have discussed how we can make the world a place where the aspirations of all people to a decent life, lived in peace and with dignity, may be realised.”

The commander-in-chief of the country also expressed gratitude to all the sponsors who have partnered willingly with the South African government to ensure the successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

“As the leaders of the G20 and guest countries, let us continue to walk this path together, guided by empathy, strengthened by cooperation and united by the responsibility we have towards this generation and the many to follow.

“As South Africa hands over the Presidency of the G20, we do so with confidence that the partnerships forged this year will continue to guide the work ahead.” 

He took the time to once again thank the attendees for their friendship, dedication and continued support. – SAnews.gov.za

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Qatar Urges Swift Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution, Full Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza

Source: Government of Qatar

Vienna, November 22, 2025

The State of Qatar has called for the prompt and sincere implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2803, issued on November 17, 2025.
The resolution calls for the complete withdrawal of Israel from Gaza, the establishment of a local government composed of Gazans, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts, seen as a first step toward realizing the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
This came in a statement delivered by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar and its Permanent Representative to the UN and International Organizations in Vienna Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, before the session of theآ Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held in Vienna, addressing the situation in Palestine.
His Excellency highlighted the dire conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories, condemning the continued killing and displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza by Israeli occupation forces, as well as the violence perpetrated by settlers with the support of the Israeli government. He urged the international community to fulfill its responsibility to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian and other Arab territories and to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He stressed that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide committed against the Palestinian people do not expire with time, calling for accountability for the perpetrators and urging relevant international organizations to fulfill their roles in this regard.
His Excellency also appealed to all countries and humanitarian and relief organizations, especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people to alleviate the catastrophic conditions they are enduring under siege and occupation.