Barcelona: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for action 'grounded in hope, unity, and progressive change'. Addressing the Global Progressive Mobilisation Plenary during a working visit to Spain on Saturday, the President highlighted the current global situation, which is increasingly defined by aggression, war, conflict and destruction. Institutions of global governance, he said, are being undermined or maliciously repurposed.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa emphasized that the laws and norms that have long defined relations between nations are wilfully violated. The principles of solidarity, cooperation, and friendship are being challenged by the resurgence of narrow nationalism, prejudice, and intolerance. He linked the resurgence in unlawful wars of aggression and genocide in places like Palestine to enduring global inequalities rooted in historical systems of colonialism and imperialism. These ideologies of superiority, he argued, continue to treat the peoples of Africa, Asia, and Latin America as second-class global citizens.
Beyond geopolitical tensions, President Ramaphosa highlighted the deepening climate crisis, growing inequality within and between countries, widespread poverty due to lack of work and skills, and many societies becoming more fragmented and isolated. He warned that political discourse is being reshaped by algorithms that fuel extremism and hate.
Despite this assessment, the President said this was not a moment for doubt or despair, but a moment of unique opportunity. 'This is a moment for action, for mobilisation, and renewal.' He called for a 'global progressive revival', reinvigorated movement rooted in its values, clear in its purpose, and united in its resolve.
President Ramaphosa further emphasized the building of a global movement that enables countries to undertake just and inclusive transitions that drive social and economic development while protecting affected communities, workers, and businesses. He insisted on building a world of genuine multilateral cooperation, with global institutions that are representative, democratic, and capable of meeting the challenges of the present and the future. He called for the restoration of the United Nations to its position at the center of international relations, advancing peace through dialogue and diplomacy, and the consistent application of international law and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter. Additionally, he advocated for addressing the debt burden that holds back many developing economies, reforming the financial architecture, and closing the financing gap for development.
