STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GLOBAL GOVERNANCE GROUP (3G) AT THE BRIEFING BY THE G20 SHERPA OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 24 MARCH 2025

Mr President, 

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Global Governance Group, or 3G, comprising the following 30 Member States: Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Costa Rica, Finland, Guatemala, Jamaica, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, San Marino, Senegal, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Viet Nam, and my own country, Singapore. The 3G is an informal, cross-regional grouping of small and medium-sized countries established in 2009, to facilitate greater engagement and coordination between the G20 and the wider UN membership, and to build inclusive global governance. 

2 We would like to thank His Excellency Zane Dangor, the G20 Sherpa of South Africa, for his briefing to the General Assembly on the priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency. We welcome these briefings as an important exercise in transparency and inclusivity. The 3G supports the G20 in its efforts to enshrine effective multilateralism and promote macroeconomic stability in these challenging times. 

3 South Africa’s G20 theme of “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” is timely and especially salient. We welcome South Africa’s ambitious G20 agenda, which is aligned with ongoing processes at the UN and builds on the efforts of past G20 Presidencies. At this critical juncture when multilateralism and international law are under pressure, we believe that the G20 can play an important leadership role in strengthening and safeguarding the UN and make an important contribution to international solidarity and sustainable development. The 3G wishes to make three points. 

4 First, on Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Reducing Inequality. These are indispensable and interlinked priorities. Reducing inequalities requires inclusive and sustainable economic growth and industrialisation, which can only be achieved through ensuring quality employment. We must ensure that our populations have ample opportunities to upskill and reskill while simultaneously investing in basic social services, notably healthcare and education, and infrastructure. A networked effect to cooperation and financing is needed, drawing in all stakeholders, national and international, public and private. 

5 Two, on Food Security. This issue is inextricably tied to other global challenges – climate change, water scarcity, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, and conflict. Food production must be made resilient against the impact of climate change, but also climate-friendly. Transforming into sustainable agri-food systems also means embracing technology and innovation. However, agricultural development means nothing if access is hampered. So, we must uphold trade and supply chain connectivity to enable the free flow of and access to safe, affordable, sufficient and nutritious food. 

6 Third, on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development. Based on ethical and responsible principles and protecting human rights, AI can redraw the frontiers for what is possible. However, AI cannot be developed for its own sake, but it needs to serve the interests of humanity. AI must be harnessed to support better global outcomes and improve quality of life, safety and well-being for all. It must be people-centric, complementing and responding to human needs. Innovation in decarbonisation and healthcare must not just be encouraged but recognised as a necessity. 

7 To conclude, the 3G looks forward to working constructively with the G20 under South Africa’s Presidency in 2025. We believe that the G20’s work can make a real difference to the international community, and we therefore express our hope that the relationship between the G20 and the UN will continue to be strengthened. We also reaffirm our commitment to support South Africa in achieving a successful G20 Summit in Johannesburg this year. 

8 Thank you, Mr. President. 

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