President Cyril Ramaphosa
His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Execellencies Heads of State who are participating in this session,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
It is fitting that we are meeting just a few days after celebrating World Environment Day on the 5th of June, which focused on creating a good relationship with nature, and coincides with the launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030.
Since I assumed the role of Coordinator of this Committee in February last year, much has changed across the world and on our continent.
The global crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all countries.
On our continent, the pandemic has exposed our socio-economic vulnerabilities and increased debt burdens.