South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, will attend the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting in Chennai, India. The event’s purpose is to discuss recommendations prepared by the G20’s Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG).
Prioritizing Environmental Sustainability
The ECSWG has three priorities under the Indian G20 Presidency’s supervision. These priorities include halting land degradation and facilitating ecosystem restoration, promoting a sustainable and climate-resilient blue economy, and emphasizing resource efficiency and a circular economy.
South Africa’s Role in the G20
South Africa plays a crucial role in the G20 by promoting an ambitious environment and climate agenda in the context of sustainable development. This ensures that the priority issues of African and developing countries are included in G20 outcomes.
Developing Nations and Environmental Sustainability
Developing nations seek environmental sustainability approaches to mitigate developmental challenges such as poverty and foster shared prosperity. Support from developed countries to address climate transition and biodiversity agendas in developing countries is crucial.
The G20 Ministerial Meeting
The G20 is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. The G20 Ministerial Meeting provides a platform for discussing and addressing critical environmental and climate challenges.
Minister Creecy’s Role
During the meeting, Minister Creecy will have the opportunity to engage with Minister Dan Jorgensen from Denmark and take forward the task assigned by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the incoming COP 28 President. The mandate aims to facilitate discussions on the Global Stocktake.
Collaborating on Sustainable Solutions
As the world faces mounting environmental challenges, it is vital for leaders and policymakers to converge and collaborate on sustainable solutions. The G20 Ministerial Meeting’s focus on prioritizing environmental sustainability signifies the urgency of addressing these issues collectively.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Minister Creecy’s participation in this meeting demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to championing an ambitious environmental agenda and ensuring that developing nations’ priorities are adequately represented in the G20 outcomes. The meeting paves the way for a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future, benefiting nations around the globe.
