Tokyo: Deputy President Paul Mashatile has underscored the urgent need for a coordinated approach to address global challenges, focusing on peacebuilding and economic resilience. Speaking at the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo, Japan, the Deputy President highlighted the ongoing conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, the Sahel, and Gaza, which continue to take a significant human toll while exacerbating global insecurity.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mashatile emphasized that these conflicts necessitate a coordinated preventive strategy involving dedicated interventions in peacebuilding. He expressed encouragement over the partnership between the United Nations University and the University of South Africa (UNISA), which aims to develop capacity-building programs for African leaders and mediators, fostering peace, security, and prosperity across the continent.
Mashatile further stressed the importance of comprehensive, African-centred research and training programs to address the urgent demand for capacity in conflict management, resolution, and societal reconstruction.
As South Africa assumes its G20 Presidency, the Deputy President reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promoting diplomatic solutions and inclusive dialogue as keys to sustainable peace. The South African government, he noted, remains steadfast in its foreign policy principles of justice, solidarity, equality, and respect, with a focus on human dignity and inclusiveness.
Mashatile outlined South Africa’s four key priorities for its G20 Presidency: strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for developing economies, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals for sustainable growth. Hosting the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, as well as the Business 20, provided a platform for South Africa to showcase itself as a business and investment destination while proposing solutions to global economic challenges.
The Deputy President also highlighted the country’s dedication to driving economic reforms, increasing investor confidence, and enhancing structural efficiencies in sectors such as energy, water, and transport. He emphasized that addressing structural concerns is vital for sustaining investor confidence and long-term economic stability.
Furthermore, Mashatile discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in shaping Africa’s economic future. He urged greater collaboration between African institutions and international organizations, citing Professor Tshilidzi Marwala’s call for South Africa to embrace AI while ensuring ethical considerations remain central to its implementation.
He encouraged institutions like UNU to partner with African universities to foster digital skills development and AI-driven innovation. With South Africa leading the G20 Presidency, AI has been identified as a focus area, aiming to advance the Sustainable Development Goals agenda and tackle global challenges.
Mashatile concluded by stressing that African governments are increasingly recognizing the digital economy’s importance, significantly influenced by AI. The Deputy President noted the investment in digital infrastructure, skills development, and entrepreneurship to support Africa’s expanding digital economy.