Category: MIL-OSI

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NSC exams progressing smoothly at halfway mark

Source: Government of South Africa

As the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations reach the halfway mark, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has reported that the overall administration of the exams continues to proceed smoothly, with stability, integrity and efficiency across all nine provinces.

More than 920 000 candidates are currently writing their final examinations at 6 800 examination centres nationwide. 

“Despite the scale and logistical complexity of this process, the vast majority of sessions have unfolded without disruption, a reflection of the strength of the DBE’s examination systems, the dedication of invigilators and educators, and the discipline shown by learners,” the department said in a statement. 

While a few isolated incidents have been reported, including limited community protests, and minor administrative and technical challenges, the department said these have been swiftly and effectively managed through established risk management and contingency measures. 

“These timely interventions continue to demonstrate the preparedness and resilience of South Africa’s examination system, which is built on firm safeguards to maintain fairness and credibility,” the department said. 

The DBE also responded to public discussions around the perceived difficulty of the 2025 Mathematics Paper 1 and Paper 2, assuring learners, parents and the public that all NSC papers are carefully designed to assess a full range of cognitive skills, in line with curriculum standards.

The department said each paper is designed to include a balanced mix of fundamental concepts and higher-order problem-solving questions.

“Importantly, the standardisation process overseen by Umalusi, the Quality Council for General and Further Education and Training, ensures that any variations in performance trends are scientifically reviewed before final results are approved. 

“Should any paper prove more challenging than expected, this process guarantees that no learner is unfairly disadvantaged. Confidence in the integrity, credibility and fairness of the examination system therefore remains well placed,” the department said. 

The department extended appreciation to learners, parents, educators, provincial teams, law enforcement agencies, municipalities, and community leaders for ensuring a peaceful and secure examination environment. 

As the exams enter their final stretch, the DBE appealed to communities to continue protecting schools as zones of learning and peace.

“Any form of protest or unrest that disrupts teaching, learning or examination activities undermines the hard work and aspirations of thousands of learners nationwide,” the DBE said. 

Learners are also encouraged to manage exam anxiety by maintaining a balanced routine, getting enough rest, eating well and taking short breaks while studying. 

“Candidates are reminded that calm focus and confidence go a long way [towards preparation, and a positive mindset remains the best tool for success,” the DBE said. 

With the continued cooperation of all South Africans, the department said it remains confident that the 2025 NSC examinations will conclude successfully, upholding the high standards and credibility that define the national education system. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Sudan: In Upper Nile, land clearances supported by the United Nations (UN) family create hope for a better future

Source: APO


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Loosely translated, the name Hai Salaam means welcoming peace. 

For the people of Malakal, that translation carries real weight — it represents hope, and the promise of a new beginning. 

Once completed, this vast area — nearly 19 million square meters — is set to become home to hundreds of families. 

The idea was inspired by another project not far away, in Hai Mataar, where community gardens have already begun to thrive. After seeing the progress there, local residents grew curious — and hopeful — about embracing this new way of life. 

But the journey to creating a safe, livable space isn’t easy. Years of conflict have left many parts of Malakal — and the surrounding areas — contaminated with explosive remnants of war. These not only endanger lives but also keep communities from using vital farmland, at a time when food insecurity across South Sudan remains dire. 

That’s why the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and local authorities, joined forces to begin clearing and rebuilding the land. 

It’s meticulous, dangerous work — led by the United Nations Mine Action Service, or UNMAS. Their team calls it “battlefield area clearance.” 

Before any digging begins, the team studies the land — examining old conflict data, talking to communities, and assessing the likelihood of mines. If the area, like Hai Mataar or Hai Salaam, is considered low risk, they move on to surface and then subsurface searches. 

Each step is precise. They clear up to 40 centimeters below ground — deep enough to make the land safe for everyday life, from children playing to families building homes. 

Then comes the delicate part: using metal detectors to pinpoint any suspicious objects, and carefully digging them out — one piece at a time. 

For the deminers, safety comes through discipline and trust in the process. 

As UNMAS team member Florence Apai explains, “Many people ask if I’m scared. I was, at first. But the training, the drills — they give you confidence. You learn that your safety depends on your eyes, your focus.” 

Since September 2024, Florence and other women have been working alongside their male colleagues at Hai Salaam, breaking down traditional gender roles in the process. 

“In South Sudan, some men think certain jobs aren’t for women. But we can do it all — cutting trees, digging pits, even demining,” she says proudly. 

For Florence, the work is deeply personal. Growing up near Yei, her own community once benefited from demining activities. 

“Seeing how much it changed our lives — how it gave us freedom to move, to live — that’s what inspired me. I wanted to help others feel that same safety.” 

Once the land at Hai Salaam is cleared, Malakal residents — no matter where they come from — will be able to apply for one of the new homes. 

A safe place to live, a fresh start, and maybe most importantly — a chance to leave parts of the past behind.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Annual Meeting of the Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in West Africa and the Sahel (WGWYPS-WAS)

Source: APO


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The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and UN Women, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) – EPSG , the European Union (EU), GIZ GmbH, Expertise France (EF)-FIAP, Partners West Africa – Senegal, and the United Nations Country Team in Cabo Verde, convened the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in West Africa and the Sahel (WGWYPS-WAS) from 3 to 7 November 2025 in Praia, Cabo Verde.

Held under the theme “25 Years of Implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) in West Africa and the Sahel: Perspectives from Women and Youth,” the meeting provided a platform to assess progress and define strategic priorities for advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas in a rapidly evolving regional context.

The gathering brought together around 70 participants from 16 countries across West Africa and the Sahel, including government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups, academia, research and training institutions, and regional organizations.

Over five days, participants reviewed and validated the findings of national and regional assessments on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), explored strategies to enhance the Working Group’s coordination and visibility at regional, national, and local levels, and finalized the 2026 national and regional work plans. The meeting also adopted the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, identified priority themes for the 2026 thematic exchanges, selected focus countries for solidarity, advocacy and support missions, and initiated preparations for the 2026 Annual Meeting.

Building on the lessons of 25 years of implementation of Resolution 1325, participants reflected on achievements, persistent challenges, and emerging opportunities. Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen state ownership, ensure sustainable financing for National Action Plans (NAPs), and improve coordination, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms. Limited financial resources and fragmented implementation efforts were identified as continuing obstacles to progress.

The meeting concluded with a capacity-building session on the Continental Results Framework (CRF), facilitated by the ECOWAS Commission through the GIZ-EPSG Project, an in-depth discussion on the Youth, Peace and Security agenda, and a field visit showcasing innovative local initiatives promoting peace, gender equality, and social cohesion.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the WPS and YPS agendas and to fostering inclusive, sustainable peace across West Africa and the Sahel. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

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President Ramaphosa urges global solidarity and equality in message to Pope Leo XIV

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a renewed global spirit of solidarity, equality, and shared humanity to confront the world’s growing social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Delivering a message to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on Saturday at the Vatican, President Ramaphosa said the world faced immense trials that could only be overcome through unity, multilateralism and a commitment to peace. 

“We meet at a time when humanity faces immense challenges. To many, it seems easier to fund wars than to invest in peace. Conflicts across the globe are dividing societies and inflicting untold destruction. These global challenges cannot be resolved by nations acting alone; only through solidarity and multilateralism,” he said.

The President said South Africa’s G20 Presidency presented an opportunity to advance the common good by tackling inequality, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring justice for all.

“To overcome these immense trials, we must summon a new global spirit. Through our G20 Presidency, South Africa sees an opportunity to promote solidarity that advances the common good. This is a moment to forge greater equality, empowering the marginalised, unlocking human potential and ensuring justice for all,” he said.

President Ramaphosa commended Pope Leo XIV’s leadership following the passing of Pope Francis, describing his election as “a source of hope and encouragement” to many.

He said South Africa’s multi-faith society, which includes almost four million Catholics, continued to draw strength from its history of faith-based activism and its enduring commitment to social justice and reconciliation.

“Faith-based communities have been at the forefront of our struggle for democracy, human rights and social justice. Drawing on our history, mindful of the state of the world today, we are preparing to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit later this month under the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’,” the President said.

The work of the summit, he said, would be guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu, which recognises shared humanity.

“We will prioritise pressing issues such as inequality, food security and the social, economic and environmental development of Africa and the Global South,” he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that true strength lay in collective action and compassion, calling on wealthier nations to act not from charity, but from justice.

“The human impulse is not towards isolation, but towards community. It is through this solidarity that the strong discover their true strength: not in dominion, but in lifting up the weak. So too must the wealthy nations embrace their duty to the poor, in health, in education and in security — not as an act of charity, but to build a just world,” he said.

He warned that global division and fragmentation threatened the prospects of lasting peace, adding that a multilateral order grounded in universal values and justice was essential.

“We must take action to tackle the ecological harms that threaten us all. We must ensure that the burdens of debt do not chain successive generations to poverty. At the heart of all our endeavours must lie a relentless pursuit of equality,” he said.

President Ramaphosa also expressed deep concern over ongoing conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine and Palestine, urging the global community to act consistently in pursuit of peace and justice.

“From the suffering in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the anguish in Ukraine and Palestine, our conscience must be consistent. We must strive for peace and justice wherever human lives are held captive by war,” he said.

The President said South Africa’s experience of dialogue and reconciliation positioned it to help facilitate difficult conversations that lead to lasting peace.

“South Africa, born from the wisdom of dialogue and the grace of reconciliation, carries a unique heritage. It is our knowledge that even the bitterest of enemies can sit at a common table that we offer to the world,” he said.

He also acknowledged the Holy See’s global influence in promoting human dignity, calling for deeper collaboration between South Africa and the Vatican on humanitarian aid, climate justice, and peacebuilding.

“We recognise the critical leadership role of the Holy See in human affairs. We join the Holy See’s commitment to peace, prosperity and equality,” President Ramaphosa said.

Commending the Holy Father’s emphasis that “peace requires dignified [and] prosperous coexistence”, the President said the Jubilee Commission Report and the Church’s calls for reform of the global financial system resonated deeply with South Africa’s G20 agenda.

“Many African countries spend more on servicing debt than on education or healthcare. Innovative financial instruments and reforms of the global financial system are essential if we are to build a fairer, more peaceful and prosperous world,” he said.

Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit South Africa, describing it as a “great honour” for the nation.

“It is a great blessing for us to be here and walk through the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica during this Jubilee Year of Hope. I will carry these blessings and spirit of hope back to our people in South Africa,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa arrived in Rome on Friday for a working visit to the Holy See. He is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola and his daughter, Keneilwe Ramaphosa.

South Africa and the Holy See have enjoyed warm and cordial relations since the formal establishment of diplomatic ties in 1994. The meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is of particular significance, as it represents South Africa’s first high-level engagement with the newly appointed Pontiff. 

His ascension to the papacy on 8 May 2025 provides an important opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen bilateral relations with the Holy See. – SAnews.gov.za

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Burundi : Le Président Ndayishimiye présente le nouvel administrateur de la commune Gisagara

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République du Burundi, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye, a procédé, ce samedi, à la présentation officielle du nouvel administrateur communal de Gisagara, M. Japhet Nzirubusa, lors d’une cérémonie tenue sur le terrain de Mburi où une foule nombreuse composée des natifs de la province Buhumuza et des habitants des anciennes communes de Mishiha, Cendajuru et Gisagara.

Ce fut une immense joie pour la population de Gisagara que d’accueillir le Chef de l’Etat Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye dans la commune, particulièrement dans la zone de Camazi qui n’avait pas vu une visite d’un Chef d’État burundais depuis 2011.

Dans son discours, le Président de la République a encouragé la population de Buhumuza à valoriser les ressources naturelles et économiques dont elle dispose notamment la terre, les minerais et les frontières commerciales de Gisuru, Gahumo et Kobero, afin de stimuler un développement durable et inclusif.

« Nous avons un grand projet d’interconnexion des communes par des routes goudronnées. Prioritairement, la route Kumoso–Gisuru–Cendajuru–Cankuzo–Gahumo sera ciblée, car elle constitue un véritable poumon du développement du Burundi. Mais en attendant, la route Cankuzo–Gahumo sera aménagée en terre battue pour faciliter la circulation des personnes et des marchandises », a déclaré le Président Ndayishimiye.

La commune Gisagara, dont le slogan est « La force, le travail et le développement durable », compte neuf zones, dont six sont frontalières avec la Tanzanie.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

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Ukraine: Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty

Source: APO


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Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: “I had a good call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty.  I expressed gratitude for Egypt’s support for Ukrainian resolutions within international organizations.  I also informed about the disturbing situation with Russia’s illegal recruitment of African countries’ citizens into its war against Ukraine. We exchanged views on ways to deepen our bilateral cooperation. Despite challenges of Russia’s war, Ukraine stands ready to contribute to Egypt’s food security.  I underscored Egypt’s significant role in the recent diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza. We discussed the importance of ensuring a lasting peace and stabilisation in the Middle East. I invited my colleague to visit Ukraine.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

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African Union Commission Welcomes and Congratulates the Republic of South Africa as G20 Chair and Host

Source: APO


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1. The African Union Commission (AUC) warmly expresses its support for the Republic of South Africa as G20 Chair and welcomes the country for hosting the G20 Summit in Africa for the first time. This milestone reflects South Africa’s growing role in global governance.

2. As the current Chair of the G20, South Africa has shown exceptional leadership in promoting the priorities of the Global South, advancing sustainable development, and strengthening inclusive global governance.

3. The Republic of South Africa is a vibrant democracy that upholds equality, human rights, and the rule of law. Its Constitution and policies reflect values aligned with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

4. South Africa is a nation rich in diversity, home to people of many races, cultures, languages, and faiths living together in unity. This inclusivity is a source of national strength and global admiration.

5. The African Union encourages all international partners to engage with South Africa and the wider African continent on the basis of mutual respect, truth, and constructive cooperation, supporting Africa’s continued contribution to global peace, development, and prosperity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Culture as a sustainable development goal? It’s starting to become a reality

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ribio Nzeza Bunketi Buse, Assistant Professor, University of Kinshasa

Eight global millennium development goals were established in 2000 by member states of the United Nations (UN) and endorsed by other multilateral organisations. They ranged from eliminating hunger to empowering women, and from reducing child mortality to environmental sustainability.

The millennium development goals were not fully achieved by 2015, so 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) were devised to be reached by 2030. The longer list responded mostly to growing climate threats and urbanisation and included aspects of wellbeing and healthy living.

The focus now is on developing the next agenda after 2030. There is a growing drive to include culture as a goal. Nowhere was the bid more pronounced than at the recent global cultural policy meeting called Mondiacult, held every three years by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).

Ribio Nzeza Bunketi Buse is a scholar of cultural development. We asked him why a culture SDG matters.

Why should culture be an SDG in its own right?

Since 1982, several of these meetings have emphasised the link between culture and sustainable development. Now there’s a call for it to be a standalone SDG in the post-2030 development agenda.

A strong argument is made in the Unesco global report on cultural policies, released in Barcelona during Mondiacult in September 2025. According to this report, 93% of responding member states affirm that culture is a central point in their national sustainable development plans. This is an increase from 88% four years ago.

The document reports also that cultural and creative industries account for 3.39% of the global gross domestic product (a measure of the health of an economy) and 3.55% of jobs. That makes it comparable to the automotive sector. Cultural tourism generates US$741.3 billion in 250 cities each year.

Given this, there’s a broad consensus that culture is one of the keys to sustainable economic development. But it goes deeper.

Unesco defines culture as:

A set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterise a society or social group including not only arts and letters, but modes of life, value systems, traditions and beliefs.

From this definition, culture is a human right. The final declaration of Mondiacult 2025 recognises it as such, alongside other human rights. Indeed, many countries’ constitutions and other international conventions, like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, recognise this.

If the 17 SDGs (like education, gender equality and healthy living) are related to human rights, why should culture, which is also a human right, not be an SDG?

To get there, the Mondiacult declaration reinforces that culture needs to be emphasised and endorsed in the 2030 development agenda.

Read more: What is Mondiacult? 6 take-aways from the world’s biggest cultural policy gathering

The Culture Committee of the United Cities and Local Governments organisation campaigned for culture to be included in the post-2015 development agenda. (Since its 2004 Agenda 21 for Culture initiative, the organisation has worked to include culture in local and regional development.)

In 2022, a network of leading global cultural organisations began an advocacy campaign for culture to be a dedicated SDG. The #Culture2030Goal campaign’s draft zero has five focus areas:

  • adequate attention to culture at the highest level of government

  • recognise connections between culture and other policy areas

  • the culture sector must feel a sense of engagement in and ownership of the goal

  • mobilise power of culture for all other goals

  • achievement of all goals through a cultural lens.

The campaign formulated culture as an SDG as follows:

Ensure cultural sustainability for the wellbeing of all.

Sustainability is culture’s capacity to endure over time and also speaks to new thinking about sustainability for a healthier future for the world.

What difference would it make if it was an SDG?

A standalone SDG would recognise culture as a global public good that all countries should protect.

This would draw attention to culture as an area of intervention. Justin O’Connor, a professor of cultural economy, writes in the Cultural Policy Forum that:

A specific goal is needed to better coordinate culture’s contribution to each and every goal, and to make it mandatory for governments and agencies to pay attention to it, and hopefully direct resources to it.

So, it would also encourage governments to take culture into account in their national economic development agendas.

What are the obstacles?

There are two main constraints in the path to culture becoming an SDG: the understanding of its role for development; and the capacity of policymakers to give it the necessary space.

Mondiacult 2022 recommended including culture in the UN’s 2024 Summit of the Future and that was successful. In fact, Action 11 of the summit’s final document Pact for the Future includes culture. However, it is associated with sport, and is not considered a stand-alone issue.

Read more: Culture can build a better world: four key issues on Africa’s G20 agenda

Against this backdrop, the ambition of having culture as an SDG still has a way to go. There is no set timeline. It all depends on how negotiations evolve among multiple UN stakeholders (international agencies and member states) in the preparation process for the post-2030 agenda.

Although South Africa is leading the 2025 G20 meetings, where culture is firmly on the agenda, Africa can still play a far stronger mobilising role among the world’s leaders, to convince them to come on board.

– Culture as a sustainable development goal? It’s starting to become a reality
– https://theconversation.com/culture-as-a-sustainable-development-goal-its-starting-to-become-a-reality-267996

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Deputy President Mashatile convenes the inaugural Inter-Ministerial Committee on Public Employment Programmes

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Paul Mashitile yesterday, 7 November 2025, convened the inaugural Public Employment Programmes-Inter Ministerial Committee (PEP-IMC) meeting of the 7th Administration.

Held virtually, the meeting discussed measures to improve the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and strengthen collaboration among PEPs, thereby addressing the challenges of unemployment and poverty within the South African communities.

President Cyril Ramaphosa established the PEP-IMC, to be chaired by the Deputy President, with the objective of providing strategic coherence and oversight to the role of Public Employment Programmes (PEPs), so that they can optimise their contribution to social protection and employment policy. 

Deputy President Mashatile, together with Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Macpherson (Deputy Chairperson), led the committee members during the deliberations which focused on addressing fragmentations within the participating sectors, addressing lack of compliance, lack of accountability and non-performance by some implementers of the Programmes as well as encouraging leadership synergy of PEPs which will result in sustainable livelihoods.

The following were among the key issues discussed by the committee members which constitute various Ministers leading the implementation of the EPWP:

  • ⁠Ensuring strategic coherence, oversight and accountability for all PEPs which include effective coordination, collaboration and alignment as part of an integrated strategy
  • Exploring sustainable funding models for impactful and quality delivery of services
  • ⁠Providing the effective, efficient and transparent recruitment process of the  EPWP participants
  • ⁠Holding public bodies accountable for performance in the EPWP and non-compliance to relevant prescripts
  • Strengthening the interface between PEPs and the skills system to improve training towards permanent employment, entrepreneurship and enhance sustainable livelihoods

Deputy President Mashatile welcomed all the inputs by committee members and remarked in closing: “We are pleased as the PEP-IMC that this inaugural meeting has sat today. We also  reaffirm the importance of scaling up training, accountability and pathways into real economic opportunities for participants. We remain steadfast in ensuring that PEPs promote impactful skills development initiatives and long term work opportunities to the participants, drawn from our communities.”

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Message to Pope Leo XIV from His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Holiness, thank you for your warm welcome to this Eternal City and the heart of the Catholic faith. I bring you good wishes from the government and people of South Africa and offer our prayers and support for your leadership of the Catholic Church. 

We meet at a time when humanity faces immense challenges. To many, it seems easier to fund wars than to invest in peace. Conflicts across the globe are dividing societies and inflicting untold destruction. These global challenges cannot be resolved by nations acting alone; only through solidarity and multilateralism. 

Economic inequality continues to rise, stifling opportunity and hindering shared prosperity. Our planet is strained by the current modes of production and consumption, which threaten the survival of generations to come. We are now, more than ever, required to think beyond the immediate and commit to sustainable solutions.
  
To overcome these immense trials, we must summon a new global spirit. Through our G20 Presidency, South Africa sees an opportunity to promote solidarity that advances the common good. 

This is a moment to forge greater equality, empowering the marginalised, unlocking human potential and ensuring justice for all. 

Only through unified action and innovation will we build a world characterised by a just peace, shared prosperity and a healthy environment. 

We therefore commend the important role of the Holy Father as a leader in the spiritual life of the nations of the world. The passing of Pope Francis was a great loss to the world, which we felt deeply. He was able to draw the world together to seek answers to the most pressing questions of our time.

Holy Father, your election as successor to St Peter has provided hope and encouragement. 

Our country is home to almost 4 million Catholics. This group represents a cross section of our multi-cultural society, comprising South Africans from diverse historical, social and linguistic backgrounds. Faith-based communities have been at the forefront of our struggle for democracy, human rights and social justice. 

Drawing on our history, mindful of the state of the world today, we are preparing to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit later this month under the theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”. 

As we seek to create a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented vision for the world, the work of the Summit will be guided by South Africa’s philosophy of Ubuntu, which recognises our share humanity. 

We will prioritise pressing issues, such as inequality, food security and the social, economic and environmental development of Africa and the Global South.

Solidarity has been a defining characteristic of human development.

The human impulse is not towards isolation, but towards community. We are drawn to one another, to conversation, to shared labour. It is through this solidarity that the strong discover their true strength: not in dominion, but in lifting up the weak. So too must the wealthy nations embrace their duty to the poor, in health, in education and in security, not as an act of charity, but to build a just world. 

Yet, even as we strive for these goals, the shadows of division and fragmentation lengthen. In such a time, we are summoned to forge a common front of the human spirit. We are called to build a multilateral order rooted in universal values, where the rule of law is the shield of the powerless and justice is a foundation for lasting peace. 

We must take action to tackle the ecological harms that threaten us all. We must ensure that the burdens of debt do not chain successive generations to poverty. At the heart of all our endeavours must lie a relentless pursuit of equality. 

From the suffering in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the anguish in Ukraine and Palestine, our conscience must be consistent. We must strive for peace and justice wherever human lives are held captive by war. 

South Africa, born from the wisdom of dialogue and the grace of reconciliation, carries a unique heritage. It is our knowledge that even the bitterest of enemies can sit at a common table that we offer to the world. We believe we have a responsibility to help facilitate the difficult dialogues that lead to lasting peace, and to extend a hand in the recovery of communities shattered by the scourge of war and famine. 

For in the end, our freedom, our security and our prosperity are bound together. To ignore the plight of any is to ultimately endanger the future of all. 

Our commitment to equality, justice and peace is central to our identity as South Africans.

We recognise the critical leadership role of the Holy See in human affairs. We recognise that the best partnerships are those that are based on common interest and understanding. We join the Holy See’s commitment to peace, prosperity and equality. 

Your Holiness, I was greatly inspired by your comment in another meeting with a head of state, that peace requires dignified, prosperous coexistence. 

In addressing the global prosperity deficit, the Jubilee Commission Report and the Church’s calls for reforms to the international financial system resonate deeply with our agenda at the G20 and our mission as a nation. 

Many African countries spend more on servicing debt than on education or healthcare. Innovative financial instruments and reforms of the global financial system are essential if we are to build a fairer, more peaceful and prosperous world. 

Through our G20 Presidency, working with all other nations, we hope to move towards a fairer, more just and equitable world order. With none believing that they are better or greater than the other. 

As we seek to tackle these immense challenges together, it is my great privilege to join the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference to extend an invitation to the Holy Father to visit South Africa. We would be greatly honoured to host you in our beautiful country. 

Your Holiness, I once again extend our appreciation for welcoming us here today. It is a great blessing for us to be here and walk through the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica during this Jubilee Year of Hope. I will carry these blessings and spirit of hope back to our people in South Africa.

I thank you.