President Ramaphosa calls on global leaders to improve responses to natural disasters

President Ramaphosa calls on global leaders to improve responses to natural disasters! As parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) continue to experience devastating floods, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on global leaders to take urgent action to strengthen disaster management and improve disaster response mechanisms.

Speaking at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Cape Town, Ramaphosa emphasized the need for greater international cooperation in addressing the rising number of climate-induced disasters that are crippling economies, especially in developing nations.

His remarks come as South Africa assumes the year-long presidency of the G20, marking a crucial period for the country to influence global economic policies and advocate for issues affecting Africa.

Disaster Management in Focus at G20 Meeting

The G20 Finance Track discussions kicked off earlier this week with preliminary meetings between deputies before leading into high-level ministerial talks. Ramaphosa’s comments on disaster response come amid growing concerns over the climate crisis and its devastating impact on infrastructure and economic stability.

During his address, Ramaphosa highlighted how natural disasters were disproportionately affecting developing nations, leaving them struggling to rebuild without falling deeper into debt.

“The increasing rate of climate-induced natural disasters is disproportionately affecting countries that can least afford the costs of recovery and rebuilding,” he stated.

“When repeated disasters lead to widespread damage of infrastructure, economic activity is disrupted, and livelihoods are destroyed. When you talk to any African leader, they will tell you that when disaster strikes, when bridges are washed away, they are not able to rebuild those roads, those bridges without imposing a great debt burden on their economies,” Ramaphosa explained.

Financing Remains a Key Challenge

Despite the urgency of the situation, financing disaster response and reconstruction remains one of the biggest challenges facing affected countries. Many developing nations lack the financial resources to respond effectively to large-scale disasters, often relying on foreign aid and loans to rebuild critical infrastructure.

Ramaphosa emphasized the need for “innovative financing and insurance mechanisms” to be developed by the global community, including international financial institutions, development banks, and the private sector. These mechanisms would help scale up funding for both disaster prevention and post-disaster recovery efforts.

“We need a financing model that does not impose an additional debt burden on emerging economies already struggling with economic recovery and growth,” he added.

The Impact of Climate Change on Africa

Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, experiencing more frequent extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, and cyclones. These disasters destroy infrastructure, disrupt agriculture, and displace thousands of people, creating a cycle of poverty and economic instability.

South Africa, in particular, has witnessed severe weather events in recent years, with KwaZulu-Natal repeatedly experiencing deadly floods that have claimed lives, displaced communities, and caused billions of rands in damage.

As the G20 presidency holder, South Africa has a unique opportunity to champion climate resilience and push for global financial mechanisms that support sustainable development and disaster recovery in vulnerable nations.

Other Priorities on the G20 Agenda

In addition to discussions on disaster management, ministers and high-level delegates at the G20 meeting are set to tackle other pressing global issues, including:

• The debt burden on emerging economies
• Global economic growth and financial stability
• Strengthening international cooperation in economic recovery

Closed-door meetings will continue throughout the day as leaders explore ways to address these challenges and implement effective policy solutions.

A Call for Collective Action

Ramaphosa’s speech served as a call to action for the global community to rethink how disasters are managed and how financial assistance is structured. With the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, the need for a global response strategy has never been more urgent.

As South Africa takes the lead in the G20 presidency, the country is set to play a critical role in shaping global policies that ensure developing nations are not left behind in the fight against climate change and economic instability.