Johannesburg: President Bola Tinubu has called on G20 leaders to enhance cooperation in the areas of technology transfer, capacity building, and investments that prioritize human dignity. Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu made this appeal during the Third Session of the 2025 G20 Leaders' Summit at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in South Africa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the summit's theme, 'A Fair and Just Future for All: Critical Minerals, Decent Work, Artificial Intelligence,' underscored the need for technology and investments that serve humanity. Tinubu emphasized that AI should uplift society rather than reshape it at the expense of the less advantaged. He advocated for Africa's transformation from merely supplying raw materials to becoming a hub of value creation and innovation.
Tinubu also addressed the need for an equitable global financial system to manage financial flows and address recurring debt crises. He expressed concerns about the outdated multilateral frameworks that no longer meet current global complexities, urging for reforms that accommodate all nations' needs, especially developing ones.
The Nigerian leader highlighted the significance of critical minerals for Nigeria and Africa, stressing the necessity of fairness and transparency in their extraction and trade. He called for a global framework that ensures these minerals contribute to industrial transformation and shared progress within local communities.
Tinubu's speech also touched on the importance of decent work amid global transitions, emphasizing that sustainable development must remain people-centered. He outlined Nigeria's commitment to developing future-ready skills through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on digital literacy and vocational training for youth.
Furthermore, Tinubu advocated for global ethical standards in AI to ensure it becomes a tool for empowerment and job creation. He called for partnerships across sectors and nations to manage AI's risks and benefits equitably.
Addressing trade inclusivity, Tinubu urged the G20 to reform international financial systems to support fair global opportunities. He highlighted Africa's need for sustainable financing to overcome regional challenges and achieve developmental goals.
In conclusion, Tinubu implored the G20 to prioritize debt sustainability and responsible mineral use, emphasizing the need for policies that foster sustainable growth and financial inclusion. He stressed that without G20 support, Africa's development aspirations would remain unfulfilled, hindered by rising debt burdens and regional challenges.