Tuesday, November 22nd, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed serving British legislators.
In a speech to the British Parliament, he encouraged wealthy nations to subsidize climate action in developing nations.
Ramaphosa said that “the more industrialized nations of the globe have a duty to pay large money to low- and middle-income countries to support their climate initiatives.”
He stressed, “This should not be seen as charity.” It is recompense for the damage that has been done and will continue to be done to individuals in emerging economies as a result of the industrialization of wealthier nations over many years.
Ramaphosa earned a standing ovation from the crowd, which included sitting MPs and members of the Lords, the upper house. His remarks came days after the conclusion of the COP 27 UN climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt).
“We are glad that the COP-27 final decisions offer the potential of united action to combat climate change. Nelson Mandela preached the concept of a worldwide community of countries that aspires to enhance the human situation by all possible means “, Ramaphosa added.
If the COP27 climate conference of the United Countries agreed the formation of a special fund to pay the losses sustained by vulnerable nations impacted by global warming, it did not commit to reducing emissions and limiting warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The president of the most industrialized country in Africa also urged the United Kingdom to advocate for “representative and inclusive international organisations” such as the United Nations Security Council and global financial institutions.
Earlier, he was greeted at a ceremony by King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, and also met Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales.
In addition to Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Home Secretary Suella Braverman, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also attended the event.
The trip was planned prior to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Nelson Mandela was honored with a state visit in 1996, two years after becoming South Africa’s first Black president.
