President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the reform of global institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council.
Ramaphosa was addressing the Peace, Security and Global Governance Session of the 17th BRICS Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President said the world is witnessing changes of global dynamics, i.e., politically, economically, technologically, and environmentally, which he accused these organisations are failing to become accustomed to.
He highlighted the failure of these institutions to resolve conflicts, especially in the Middle East and other parts of the world, and finance institutions failure to ensure the development of world poor countries.
“As conflicts persist, as new threats emerge and as old institutions falter, the pursuit of global peace and security has never been more urgent or more complex.
The United Nations, particularly the Security Council, is the preeminent instrument for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Yet, it has too often failed to meet the challenges of today.
In responding to these challenges, ranging from humanitarian crises to open acts of aggression, the Security Council has become too rigid, too narrow, and too disconnected from today’s multipolar realities,” said Ramaphosa.
The President emphasised that reform is a necessity and implored the Security Council must be made more democratic, more regionally representative, and more accountable.
Ramaphosa urged countries to invest in regional peace mechanisms.
“We must give them the resources and authority they need to lead efforts in dialogue, mediation and de-escalation,” explained the President.
Localised responses, grounded in cultural and geopolitical understanding, are the frontline of peacebuilding.
The linkages between peace, security and development require a more comprehensive approach to conflict prevention and peacebuilding; an approach that addresses the underlying causes of conflict,” remarked Ramaphosa.
The President said BRICS is increasingly shaping global debates on development, multipolar governance, and security matters.
Ramaphosa said BRICS is uniquely positioned to advocate for reform in global governance structures, especially with its broad geographical footprint and growing influence.
“BRICS must strengthen its voice in calling for a global framework that is inclusive, representative, and anchored in the principles of sovereignty, equality, and peaceful coexistence.
BRICS must continue to strengthen its cooperation on key security issues, including counterterrorism, cyber security, and transnational crime.
We welcome the focus by BRICS on a global digital governance framework that is inclusive, transparent, and rooted in the principles of the United Nations,” said Ramaphosa.
The President reiterated that South Africa remains gravely concerned at the deteriorating peace and security situation in the Middle East, especially the recent attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran.
“We remain deeply concerned by the heavy human toll of conflicts in Russia and Ukraine, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Gaza, among others.
We must find just and lasting solutions to these devasting conflicts,” concluded Ramaphosa.
