Davos: President Cyril Ramaphosa will be leading the South African delegation to the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting to be held in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting, scheduled from 20 to 24 January 2025, convenes global leaders to address key global and regional challenges, including responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards, and stewarding a just and inclusive energy transition.
According to South African Government News Agency, the South African delegation heads into this year’s WEF annual meeting bearing the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20). In a statement on Monday, the Presidency announced that President Ramaphosa will deliver a special address to the WEF, where he will present the economic priorities of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) and advance the country’s G20 Presidency, themed ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.’
South Africa is committed to leveraging the G20 platform to highlight the importance of fostering economic growth while ensuring social inclusion and environmental stewardship. During the G20 Presidency, South Africa aims to create equitable opportunities for all by addressing systemic disparities and promoting unity and mutual support to address shared global challenges collaboratively, the Presidency noted.
The WEF annual meeting is seen as a valuable opportunity for South Africa to demonstrate its potential as a hub for global investments and its ongoing structural reforms. South Africa’s delegation, which includes key government and business leaders, will engage with international stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and advance South Africa’s economic and social agenda. Through these engagements, South Africa aims to reaffirm its role as a key player in the global community, contributing to discussions on sustainable development and collaborative solutions for a better future.
This year’s meeting will be held under the theme ‘Collaboration in the Intelligent Age.’ South Africa’s innovation and technology play a crucial role in driving economic development and addressing societal challenges, aiming to leverage technological advancements to promote inclusive growth and enhance global competitiveness. This goal would be achieved by modernizing industries, advancing skill development, and improving public services, the Presidency stated.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by several ministers, including Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, and others, as they represent South Africa on this significant global stage.