25 July 2025 Speech by Federal Minister Reem Alabali Radovan at the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting, Session Ministerial Declaration, in Skukuza, South Africa

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Minister Ramokgopa,
Excellencies,
Colleagues and partners,

Some people might think that talking about illicit financial flows is the business of finance ministers only. But we know different. We as development ministers add a valuable perspective to the discussion: that combatting those flows has huge potential for achieving greater global justice.

The same holds true for social protection: some people might think that it is the business of labour or health ministers. And that is true. But here again: the development perspective broadens the debate. We are the ones who demand that all people worldwide should have access to social protection.

We are the ones advocating for a principle agreed upon by the whole international community in the 2030 Agenda: leave no one behind. Because each and every person has the right to a life of dignity on a healthy planet.

Development issues are more present in the G20 than ever before. Issues like social justice, food security or the need to make multilateral organizations more representative are at the heart of our agenda. This is especially thanks to four presidencies in a row by emerging economies – and now the first African presidency, with yours, Minister Ramokgopa. Your ambitious agenda is bearing fruit. And I thank you for your prudent moderation, which has enabled us to reach a solid agreement. We can all be proud to present a Ministers’ Declaration today.

The long and intensive negotiations show that we cannot take a consented declaration for granted. While development policy has traditionally been strongly characterized by consensus, today we are facing positions that are partly irreconcilable. Terms like sustainability, fragility or gender are no longer common ground.

Development policy is facing headwinds. It is no longer commonly accepted. Instead it is weighed against national interests. But it is a dead end believing that it is in the national interest to disregard the need of others.

Because the major challenges do not stop at borders. No country will be safe if societies worldwide are not prosperous and peaceful. No economy will flourish without stable partnerships across the globe.

That is why development policy is about building structures that empower, and building capacities that enable. For sustainable development worldwide.

The G20 is a group that has dedicated itself to development policy in a very broad and fruitful manner. Like with the Compact with Africa, an initiative started by the German G20 presidency in 2017. Its aim is to enhance the investment climate in participating countries, led by the African countries and for the benefit of their economies. It is a changemaker deliverable that is still present today.

The G20 is powerful when it finds common ground to take decisions. And when it decides, it matters.

Let’s use this potential to start a conversation about how to make development policy fit for tomorrow. Let’s show up. Let’s talk. Let’s explore common interests. And let’s make sure the development perspective will continue to be part of G20 discussions.

Minister Ramokgopa, Distinguished colleagues, Germany will remain a reliable G20 partner. And a partner that is a strong advocate for an effective multilateral system in which the states of the Global South have a strong voice.

Because we must leave no one behind.

Thank you.