Reflection group on the future of multilateralism convened by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung

The recent summits of BRICS and G20 as well as the ongoing UN General Assembly conveyed one clear message: the multilateral system needs to change, and the Global South will have a stronger voice in its reform. Navigating a complex, crisis-ridden and increasingly polarized geopolitical landscape, South Africa champions this push for more inclusive multilateralism. Yet from a progressive perspective: what does it look like? What are South African interests and priorities? And where do we find the necessary allies on the global stage?

Following previous conferences and roundtables hosted by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) in Johannesburg, together with the Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD) and the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (Mistra), a reflection group was convened on 2 October 2023 at the FES premises in Johannesburg, to ponder these questions. The CEO of the Inclusive Society Institute, Daryl Swanepoel participated in the event.

In the first part of the event, Dr Siphamandla Zondi gave an observation and reflection on South African actors´ interests in multilateralism. In the second part, Dr Rolf Mützenich, a long-serving German MP and Chairperson of the SPD Parliamentary Group, considered the possible shared interests with German and European Social Democrats.