Vahini Naidu

🇿🇦 | Trade Policy | Development | International Trade Negotiations | #SouthSouthCooperation #GlobalSouth | Views are my own

[South Centre @South_Centre]

#WTOMC14 was scheduled to close at 1PM. The DG herself told the March General Council there would be no extension. Four hours past the deadline, negotiations are still going. Many delegations have already left. So who exactly is still negotiating and on whose behalf?

[South Centre @South_Centre]

#WTOMC14 final day: Yaoundé in a buzz, sessions delayed, deadlock on the moratorium & IFDA. Reform settling into a process-oriented outcome - not the substance many hoped for. Development/S&DT outcomes minimal. Watching for the formal close.

[South Centre @South_Centre]

Day 2 at @WTOMC14 ongoing. Second Reform breakout session done with complaints, particularly by developing countries that Facilitator reports have pre-drafted conclusions that does not reflect what the majority are saying. @South_Centre cautioned that this would happen. @wto

[South Centre @South_Centre]

Day 1 at #WTOMC14 wraps up. A measured start but things are moving behind the scenes. First Reform breakout session done, and a green room convened tonight by Norway. The real action begins now. #Yaoundé #Tradefordevelopment

[Dr Jumoke Oduwole @joduwole]

Ahead of today’s official #WTOMC14 opening in Yaoundé 🇨🇲 - following yesterday’s strategic AU/ECOWAS Ministerial coordination - I delivered opening remarks at the ‘Fairness, Development, and the Level Playing Field’ session.

Engagements continued as I shared Nigeria’s position on High-Level Investment Facilitation for Development sessions led by China and Korea, alongside strategic talks with @omerbolatTR , Turkish Minister of Trade, and William Asiko, Senior VP (Africa Regional) @RockefellerFdn - deepening trade ties and aligning global resources with Nigeria’s industrial growth. 🇳🇬

#WeMove 🇳🇬🌍 #WTO #MC14 #HMIndustryTradeInvestment

[South Centre @South_Centre]

Growing concerns on @WTO #MC14 preparations just 2 weeks away. Non-consensus Facilitator texts will frame discussions in Yaoundé, yet there is no clarity on how other member texts will reach Ministers. W/ members told there will be no negotiations there, what outcome is expected?

[South Centre @South_Centre]

With @WTO #MC14 in Yaoundé just a month away, the key question is whether development and longstanding mandates will shape the outcome, or be overshadowed by talk of ‘reform’ and a notable silence on core developing-country priorities.

#SouthProsperityNonNegotiable

[South Centre @South_Centre]

The @South_Centre was pleased to take part in the ATN Consultative Meeting in Entebbe on the road to #MC14, engaging African civil society & govt. officials to discuss Africa’s positioning amid US tensions, WTO reform debates & growing challenges to Africa’s development at @WTO.

[SEATINIUGANDA @SEATINIUGANDA]

🌍🤝 The Africa Consultative Meeting towards #WTOMC14 has successfully concluded in Entebbe, Uganda.

🗓️🌍 Over three days, African civil society and trade policy actors convened by Africa trade network jointly organized by @SEATINIUGANDA,@twnafrica01 & @endacacid strengthened collective positions on key WTO issues shaping Africa’s development priorities.

🤝✊🏾 The meeting reinforced coherence, solidarity, and coordinated African civil society action as preparations advance toward MC14 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. 🇨🇲🌍

🙏🏾👏🏾 Thanks to all participants for their valuable contributions.

#WTO #MC14 #AfricaTradeNetwork #TradeJustice #AfricanCSOs #SEATINIOnTrade

@herbertk4 @SeatiniU @mtic_uganda
@GovUganda @South_Centre @AFRODAD2011 @actionaiduganda @OxfaminUganda @TradeJusticeNet @wto @Parliament_Ug @pwatchug

[The Presidency 🇿🇦 @PresidencyZA]

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA NOTES US STATEMENT ON SOUTH AFRICA’S G20 PARTICIPATION

President @CyrilRamaphosa has noted the regrettable statement by President Donald Trump on South Africa’s participation in the 2026 G20 meetings.

The G20 South Africa 2025 Leaders’ Summit attended by several Heads of State and Goverment, was hailed by all those who attended the summit as one of the most successful summits.

The summit produced a declaration that affirmed the indisputable strength and value of multilateralism in response to the most pressing challenges facing the world.

As the United States was not present at the summit, instruments of the G20 Presidency were duly handed over to a US Embassy official at the Headquarters of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

As one of the founding members of the G20, South Africa has always valued the spirit of consensus, collaboration and partnership that defines the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

In keeping with this approach, the United States was expected to participate in all the meetings of the G20 during South Africa’s Presidency but unfortunately, it elected not to attend the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg out of its own volition.

We are however pleased that US entities such as businesses and civil society organisations participated in large numbers in G20 related activities such as the B20 and the G20 Social. South Africa values their participation.

South Africa is a member of the G20 in its own name and right. Its G20 membership is at the behest of all other members. South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its membership and worth in participating in global platforms. South Africa respects the sovereignty of all countries and will never insult or demean another country or its standing and worthiness in the community of nations.

South Africa will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20. We call on members of the G20 to reaffirm its continued operation in the spirit of multilateralism, based on consensus, with all members participating on an equal footing in all of its structures.

It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country.

ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

[IndiaAI @OfficialINDIAai]

Bridging the global AI divide begins with shared action.

This strategic pre-event to the UN CSTD Inter-sessional Panel brought together global stakeholders to explore how AI can drive inclusive growth and empower societies worldwide.

From future-of-work readiness to democratizing AI resources, the dialogue focused on building human capital, ensuring trusted and safe AI adoption, and skill development for all. Fueled by collaboration through Geneva’s multilateral ecosystem, the conversation set the stage for deeper global engagement ahead of the #IndiaAIImpactSummit this February.

To partner or host a pre-summit event, visit: https://t.co/QlYYc4UupH

#IndiaAIImpactSummit2026 #AIforGood #ResponsibleAI #AIinHealthcare #DigitalHealth #PeoplePlanetProgress #EthicalInnovation #GlobalCollaboration #AIIndia

@PMOIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw @jitinprasada @PIB_India @SecretaryMEITY @abhish18 @kavitabha @GoI_MeitY @_DigitalIndia @mygovindia

[G20 United States @g20org]

🇿🇦 President Ramaphosa successfully concludes the #G20 Summit, highlighting South Africa's commitment to inclusive global growth, sustainable development, and amplifying the voice of the Global South. A productive summit delivering real progress! #SouthAfricaG20 #GlobalCooperation

[Vahini Naidu @Vahini]

So proud. Congrats SA ✊🏾🥰

[Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 @CyrilRamaphosa]

G20 Leaders’ Summit: Closing Session

#G20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 https://t.co/X422SQrHcQ

[The Presidency 🇿🇦 @PresidencyZA]

EXTENDED FAMILY PHOTO:

Family Photo of #G20 Heads of State and Government; invited Leaders and Heads of International Organizations during the G20
Leaders’ Summit

📍 Johannesburg, South Africa

#G20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦

[Vincent Magwenya 🇿🇦 @SpokespersonRSA]

Day two #G20SouthAfrica

[DIRCO South Africa @DIRCO_ZA]

G20 dignitaries arrive at Nasrec, welcomed by Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

#G20SouthAfrica
#ReKaofela
#BetterAfricaBetterWorld

[The Presidency 🇿🇦 @PresidencyZA]

‘Shortly before the dawn of a democratic and free South Africa in 1994, the founding father of our democracy President, Nelson Mandela, said: “The time has come for South Africa to take up its rightful and responsible place in the community of nations.”’

~His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa
#G20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦

[SABC News @SABCNews]

South Africa has rejected the US request to participate in handing over of G20 presidency at Nasrec on Sunday. The hand over will take place at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation next week.

[Business Day @BDliveSA]

Ramaphosa punches above his weight as the world’s biggest bully gets a bloody nose https://t.co/WB6jJgllDx

[G20 United States @g20org]

READ : #G20SouthAfrica Summit Declaration.

#ReKaofela
#BetterAfricaBetterWorld🌍

https://t.co/4EigUNV8zn