Dr. Abdel-Aty discussed ways to maximize the continent’s benefit from this membership, thereby strengthening Africa’s presence in the global economic governance system.

The Foreign Minister began his address by congratulating South Africa on its presidency of the G20. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the African Union’s membership in the group to advance the continent’s priorities, foremost among them reforming the global financial system, developing policies and practices of multilateral development banks, enhancing innovative financing mechanisms, utilizing existing tools, and finding effective and sustainable solutions to the sovereign debt crisis. The Foreign Minister concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the African Union's membership in the G20 represents a strategic opportunity to amplify Africa's voice on global economic issues. He called for close African coordination and a unified vision and stance within the group, thereby enhancing the continent's ability to influence international decision-making and realize the aspirations of its people for development, stability, and prosperity.