G20 South Africa’s Post

The #skepticism of some #Africanstakeholders is warranted. #Tradingrelationships between #Europe and #Africa are highly #imbalanced, echoing a #postcolonialextractivemodel. In 2021, 68 percent of #goodsexported from #Europe to #Africa were #manufacturedgoods. The majority (65 percent) of #imports from #Africa were #rawmaterials and #energy. The February 2022 European Union-African Union Summit was strong on rhetoric, and #headlinecommitments were significant. The #EU #pledged €150 billion in #investments in #Africa over seven years—a scale that is clearly #framed to #rival #China’s #BeltandRoadInitiative. But African leaders, such as #SouthAfrican President Cyril Ramaphosa, expressed #skepticism in light of previous #commitments on #climatefinance that were not delivered. In a post-summit interview, Ramaphosa signaled that while #Africa welcomed #Europeaninvestment, #Africa would remain #free to work with other partners. https://lnkd.in/eMBupuFr https://lnkd.in/eSv3HBaV

**Internationalism** refers to the principle or ideology that advocates greater cooperation and understanding between nations to promote peace, mutual benefit, and collective progress. It emphasizes the importance of international institutions, agreements, and global governance in addressing issues that transcend national boundaries, such as climate change, trade, human rights, and security. Key aspects of internationalism include: 1. **Global Cooperation**: Internationalism promotes collaborative efforts to solve global problems that cannot be addressed by individual countries alone. This includes working through organizations like the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 2. **Mutual Respect and Understanding**: It advocates for cultural exchange, diplomacy, and respect for diverse nations and their sovereignty, aiming to reduce conflicts and foster peaceful international relations. 3. **Humanitarianism**: Internationalism often involves a commitment to global humanitarian efforts, supporting human rights, alleviating poverty, and providing aid during crises, regardless of national borders. 4. **International Law and Governance**: It supports the establishment of international legal frameworks and institutions to regulate interactions between states, ensuring justice and fairness in issues like trade, conflict resolution, and environmental protection. 5. **Economic Interdependence**: Internationalism recognizes the interconnected nature of the global economy and promotes free trade, open markets, and economic collaboration to enhance global prosperity. Examples of internationalist movements or frameworks include the European Union (EU), the UN, and various global treaties, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change. Internationalism stands in contrast to isolationism, which favors limited engagement with other countries.

Global Gateway: EU Commission and African Union strengthen partnership and take stock of progress European Commission African Union took stock of progress made through Global Gateway in advancing the objectives of the EU-AU Joint Vision for 2030 and the AU Agenda 2063. The visit included the first EU-AU High Level Dialogue on Economic Integration and Trade (HLD). The dialogue allowed the leaders to share experiences and lessons learnt on matters pertaining to #trade and #investment from regional value chains to industrial development, while identifying priority areas of cooperation to strengthen the AU-EU partnership on economic integration. Trade between the EU and Africa amounted to nearly €367 billion in 2023, a 27% increase from 2013. The EU is the top trading partner and the largest export market of Africa, accounting for 33% of the total trade of Africa in 2023. Commissioner Urpilainen launched the AU-EU Youth Lab programme with 40 youth representatives. The main objective of this programme is to contribute to the empowerment of youth in Africa and to strengthen their involvement in active, meaningful and innovative ways. #youth #GlobalGateway #valuechains #africa #industrialdevelopment https://lnkd.in/ec2AjsXB

🌐🌍 Reflecting on New Drivers for Cooperation in Multilateral Diplomacy As we head towards a busy September for multilateral diplomacy, it's time to reflect on the new drivers for cooperation, starting with the evolving role of trade. Over the past 30 years, low- and middle-income countries have doubled their share of global exports to 30%, significantly contributing to the dramatic decline in extreme poverty—from 47% to just 10%. One billion people have climbed out of poverty. However, we now face an urgent question: Can these benefits be sustained amidst rising geopolitical tensions, rapid advances in digital technology, and the existential threat of climate change? While these shifts pose risks, they also present opportunities. I found this article a provocative start: Developing Countries Need More Support in Global Trade #InternationalTrade #UNGA #SummitoftheFuture #PovertyReduction #AidForTrade #GlobalEconomy #Sustainability #DigitalTransformation #ClimateChange #WTO

FOCAC in September: Exciting Times Ahead for China-Africa Relations! China has officially extended an invitation to African leaders for the upcoming FOCAC Summit in September (also World Tourism Month, and my birthday month). This summit promises to be a significant milestone in fostering deeper ties and collaboration between our continents. 🤝✨ As someone passionate about advancing China-Africa business and law, I see this as a golden opportunity to discuss and address key issues, from trade and investment to sustainable development and legal cooperation. The upcoming summit will undoubtedly pave the way for more robust partnerships and innovative projects that will benefit both regions. I would love to hear your thoughts on this! How do you think this summit can best serve the interests of Africa? (read the previous action plans) What topics do you believe should be prioritized? Let's engage and explore the endless possibilities together. I think law should be a in a separate section considering China's ambition to be the law maker by 2035. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable! #ChinaAfrica #FOCAC #Diplomacy #Business #SustainableDevelopment #Collaboration #Law #Chineselaw https://lnkd.in/dzHusPfQ

#SandpiperPublicAffairs Tracker - Hong Kong, with its unique strategic positioning in both economic and geopolitical realms, is to host the second APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Meeting of 2024 between 22nd and 25th April. Check out our latest article to learn more about the significance of this event. https://lnkd.in/gY_dTxf9 #apec2024 #asiapacific #hongkong #publicaffairs #governmentrelations Saskia K. Serena Cui Alexander Anderson

The internationalization of government refers to the increasing involvement of governments in international affairs, global governance, and diplomatic relations. This phenomenon has been driven by globalization, technological advancements, and the growing interconnectedness of the world. # Key Aspects of Internationalization of Government 1. _Global Governance_: Governments are increasingly participating in global governance institutions, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Monetary Fund. 2. _Diplomatic Relations_: Governments are establishing and strengthening diplomatic relations with other countries, including through the establishment of embassies, consulates, and trade missions. 3. _International Cooperation_: Governments are engaging in international cooperation on a range of issues, including climate change, terrorism, pandemics, and economic development. 4. _Global Economic Integration_: Governments are participating in global economic integration initiatives, such as free trade agreements, investment treaties, and economic unions. # Benefits of Internationalization of Government 1. _Promoting Peace and Security_: Internationalization of government can help promote peace and security by fostering cooperation and dialogue among nations. 2. _Enhancing Economic Opportunities_: Internationalization of government can help enhance economic opportunities by promoting trade, investment, and economic integration. 3. _Addressing Global Challenges_: Internationalization of government can help address global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and terrorism, by facilitating international cooperation and coordination. 4. _Promoting Human Rights and Democracy_: Internationalization of government can help promote human rights and democracy by supporting international efforts to promote these values. # Challenges of Internationalization of Government 1. _Sovereignty Concerns_: Internationalization of government can raise concerns about sovereignty, as governments may be required to cede some of their decision-making authority to international institutions. 2. _Inequality and Injustice_: Internationalization of government can exacerbate inequality and injustice, particularly if international institutions and agreements favor the interests of powerful nations and corporations. 3. _Cultural and Social Differences_: Internationalization of government can be challenging due to cultural and social differences among nations, which can make it difficult to achieve consensus and cooperation. 4. _Accountability and Transparency_: Internationalization of government can raise concerns about accountability and transparency, particularly if international institutions and agreements are not subject to sufficient oversight and scrutiny.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul Attends 2024 Global Engagement and Empowerment Forum (GEEF) on March 14 , 2024. 1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul attended the 6th Global Engagement and Empowerment Forum (GEEF) co-hosted by the Institute for Global Engagement and Empowerment at Yonsei University, the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future, and the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens on March 14 under the theme of “Reboot the SDGs, Reset Our Future.” 2. This forum was held to discuss ways for international cooperation to accelerate the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid the deepening global polycrisis. It brought together 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, 11th Federal President of Austria Heinz Fischer, 32nd President of Columbia Juan Manuel Santos, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Korea Kang Kyung-wha, former President of the World Bank Jim Yong Kim, and others, in person or virtually. 3. Foreign Minister Cho highlighted that the UN-led multilateralism needs to be strengthened to accelerate the SDGs implementation and that this momentum should be kept up at the Summit of the Future this coming September. He also underscored the necessity of revitalizing international discussions on the SDGs implementation by countries in special situations such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). 4. Foreign Minister Cho emphasized the need for an integrated approach based on universal values and principles to harmoniously achieve the three pillars of the UN -- development, peace and human rights -- and called for a reform of the international financial architecture and increased cooperation with the private sector for securing development finance to strengthen the means of the SDGs implementation. 5. As the Korean government plans to enhance its status as a “Global Pivotal State,” Foreign Minister Cho expressed Korea’s commitment to actively contribute to shaping international discourse and norms for global peace and prosperity as a member of the Security Council in 2024-2025. He said that Korea will work in solidarity with the international community to achieve practical results in dimensions such as strengthening the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, digital transformation of developing countries, and capacity building of future generations. 6. In the forum, Foreign Minister Cho shared with various stakeholders from home and abroad how Korea is contributing and will continue doing so to the acceleration of the SDGs implementation, demonstrating to the international community the country’s commitment to achieving the SDGs. https://lnkd.in/gyUPbgcQ

In my latest piece, I argue the EU #GlobalGateway can play a part in recasting #Europe-#Africa relations on the basis of a more modern partnership centered around #trade & #investment. But to fulfil its potential, it will need: - to be coupled with meaningful political dialogue - to demonstrate the ability to deliver impactful projects at scale - to connect better with European domestic conversations about competitiveness Thanks to Lucia Ragazzi & Luca Saviolo at ISPI - Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale for putting together this dossier on #Europe-Africa relations #internationalcooperation #economicdiplomacy

The Inspiring Foreign Policy Circle's Talk : To highlight the evolving role of emerging middle powers (Germany, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa) in the global landscape and their contributions to stability, sustainability, and multilateral cooperation. The Emerging Middle Powers Report 2024 highlights the critical role of middle powers in creating a balanced, cooperative global environment. By fostering sustainability, promoting multilateralism, and strengthening regional stability, middle powers such as Indonesia demonstrate the power of moderate, inclusive leadership on the world stage. Multilateralism and Global Cooperation Emerging middle powers promote multilateralism as a means to influence global policy, serving as intermediaries between large powers and smaller states. Their focus on regional stability and support for international law strengthens their strategic importance on the global stage. Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Nations like Brazil and Indonesia are leading advocates for environmental sustainability. With rich natural resources (e.g., tropical rainforests), they champion sustainable policies that align with global climate goals, demonstrating that middle powers can lead the conversation on environmental responsibility. Emphasis on National Identity and Strategic Autonomy Middle powers, including India and Indonesia, prioritize national sovereignty in their foreign policies. By pursuing strategic independence rather than aligning with major power blocs, they contribute to a more multipolar world order, emphasizing diversity and self-reliance. Regional Peace and Stability Efforts Middle powers actively contribute to regional peace and security. Indonesia, for example, is influential in ASEAN and Southeast Asian diplomacy, while South Africa and Brazil play similar roles in Africa and Latin America. Their regional influence promotes global stability and peace. Challenges and Constraints Despite growing influence, these nations face challenges like economic dependence on larger economies, resource limitations, and domestic priorities. Balancing these factors will be essential for middle powers to continue impacting global affairs effectively.