Ramaphosa urges global cooperation to defend democracy at Barcelona summit

President calls for UN reform and debt relief while warning of threats from nationalism and disinformation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa told a gathering of world leaders in Barcelona, Spain, that democratic nations must collectively confront threats to their institutions and resist attempts to silence advocacy for human rights¹³. Ramaphosa spoke at the fourth meeting of the "In Defence of Democracy" initiative over the weekend, a forum launched by Brazil and Spain in 2024 to address challenges posed by extremism, polarisation, and disinformation¹.

In his address to the global progressive mobilisation plenary, Ramaphosa described the current moment as a time of crisis marked by aggression, war, and destruction²³. He said the principles of solidarity, cooperation, and friendship were being challenged by narrow nationalism, prejudice, and intolerance¹³. "We cannot allow ourselves to be bullied into silence when the dignity and human rights of others are being trampled on," Ramaphosa said¹.

The president called for reform of global financial architecture and institutions to address the debt burden facing developing countries². He urged the building of a global movement that enables countries to undertake inclusive transitions driving social and economic development while protecting affected communities, workers, and businesses². Ramaphosa said the United Nations must be restored to its central position in international relations through representative and democratic global institutions²³.

He argued that peace should be advanced through dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law and UN charter principles²³. Ramaphosa said conflicts around the globe were linked to battles over resources and colonial-era divisions shaped by violent conquest¹. Department of International Relations and Cooperation director-general Zane Dangor separately accused US President Donald Trump of bringing an unprecedented challenge to international rules¹.