President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday that Brics has a “vital” role to play in advancing change as he advocated for global peace, calling for the right of Palestinian people to self-determination, while calling out the United Nations Security Council.

Ramaphosa was speaking during the Brics Summit plenary in Russia, where he said as the plight of the Palestinian people continued, South Africa was compelled to show a spirit of solidarity.

He said lasting peace and security would not be achieved until Palestinians realised their aspirations for Statehood, justice and freedom.

This as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, in a conflict that has continued for over two years.

Ramaphosa said judging from the many conflicts raging across the world, the Security Council had not fulfilled its mandate to maintain international peace and security.

“…it does not represent the interests of the global community, and therefore does not have the means to give effect to the global desire for peace. Just as Brics has a vital role in shaping a new multipolar world order, so too must it use its voice to advance change,” he stated.

The International Court of Justice had made it clear that the international community had a duty to prevent genocide by Israel, he stressed.

As an interconnected world, the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations, he added.

“Through solidarity, we seek to advance a unified effort and mutual support among nations. By advancing equality we seek to ensure fair treatment, opportunities and advancement for all individuals and nations,” he said.

Ramaphosa expressed his belief that countries had a responsibility not to fund or facilitate “Israel’s genocidal actions”.

“As the UN General Assembly has now resolved, the countries of the world have a responsibility to promote the realisation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination,” he said.

Ramaphosa pointed out that sustainable development was about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Meanwhile, he said South Africa would seek to mobilise the countries of the world to take practical steps to resolve global challenges while strengthening international cooperation within a rules-based system, when it assumed the Presidency of the G20 next year.

South Africa is expected to take over from Brazil as the Chair of the G20 from December 1.