Minister Dion George (Dr): Closing remarks at the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting, Cape Town International Convention Centre
Excellencies
Distinguished ministers
Delegates from G20 member countries and Invited guest countries
Representatives of international and local organisations
Ladies and gentlemen.
As we draw this Ministerial meeting to a close, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for the dedication, wisdom and spirit of solidarity that have defined our deliberations. Over the past two days, we have worked with unity of purpose and clarity of vision, guided by the principles of solidarity, equality and sustainability. These values have been the foundation of South Africa's Presidency and have shaped every discussion, decision and outcome.
Together, we have advanced meaningful progress across the six priority areas that form the architecture of environmental sustainability: biodiversity and conservation, land degradation and water sustainability, chemicals and waste management, climate change, air quality, and oceans and coasts. These priorities are not abstract themes. They are the living framework through which nature, people and prosperity are bound together.
Under South Africa's Presidency, Environment and Climate Ministers have achieved two historic firsts for the G20: the Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment and the Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Air Quality. Alongside these, we table the South African Chair's Summary of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group.
Together, these three outcome documents represent a comprehensive and balanced conclusion to our Presidency. They reflect the power of partnership, the strength of evidence-based policymaking, and the will of nations to act collectively for the common good. Each speaks to our shared commitment to protect the planet while improving the lives of people.
The Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment affirms that environmental protection and the rule of law must walk hand in hand. It recognises that crimes against the environment are crimes against communities and future generations.
The Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Air Quality acknowledges that the right to clean air is inseparable from the right to health and dignity. It represents a collective pledge to reduce pollution, to protect those most affected, and to ensure that clean air becomes a shared inheritance, not a privilege.
The South African Chair's Summary captures the breadth of technical progress achieved across all six priority areas, reflecting our pursuit of sustainability through practical action and scientific collaboration. Together, these outcomes advance ambition while strengthening trust, transparency and cooperation among nations.
Through solidarity, we have demonstrated that progress is only meaningful when it is shared. Through equality, we have affirmed that no community or nation shall be left behind. Through sustainability, we have committed ourselves to decisions that stand the test of time. These are the principles that give substance to our Presidency and to the Cape Town outcome documents.
The key elements of these outcomes will now inform the G20 Leaders' Declaration to be considered in Johannesburg next month, ensuring that environmental priorities remain at the heart of the global economic and development agenda.
As South Africa prepares to hand over the Presidency, we do so with pride in what we have achieved together. We have proven that global cooperation is not only possible, but powerful when anchored in fairness and mutual respect. Let the Cape Town Declarations serve as our compass, guiding us to act decisively, to partner with integrity, and to keep faith with those who depend on our leadership.
It has been an honour to host you in South Africa — from the wildlife of Kruger to the beauty of Kirstenbosch and the vibrancy of Cape Town. I hope you leave not only with the outcomes of our work, but also with a sense of the warmth and resilience of our people and the spirit of unity that defines this continent.
I extend my deepest gratitude to all who made this meeting possible: to the technical teams, the members of the Working Group, the organisers, and every delegate who gave their time and effort to ensure a successful Presidency. Your professionalism and dedication have set a new benchmark for collaboration.
Excellencies, esteemed delegates, ladies and gentlemen, this Ministerial meeting has reaffirmed that the G20 remains capable of unity, ambition and heart. Let the Cape Town Declarations stand as a testament to what is possible when solidarity, equality and sustainability guide our common purpose.
With this, I declare the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting officially closed.
Thank you.
Enquiries:
Thobile Zulu-Molobi
Cell: +27 82 513 7154
E-mail: tmolobi@dffe.gov.za
Chelsey Wilken
Cell: +27 74 470 5996
E-mail: cwilken@dffe.gov.za
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