UK and South Africa Host Development Conference

Baroness Chapman of the UK and Minister Ramokgopa of South Africa are co-hosting a global partnerships conference in London this week. Twenty years ago, optimism around ending poverty felt within reach, but fractured global systems now strain development efforts. The annual financing gap for sustainable development goals exceeds $1.3 trillion, while traditional aid totals about $66.5 billion for Africa.

The UK and South Africa seek a new development model prioritizing dignity, freedom, and human rights. This approach emphasizes social inclusion, economic transformation, and the inclusion of marginalized communities, particularly regarding violence against women, health systems, and climate resilience. They acknowledge that aid alone is insufficient and that power must shift to countries designing their own solutions.

The conference will convene diverse leaders, aiming to align the fragmented donor landscape and build coalitions that support locally-led development. Building on South Africa’s recent G20 presidency, the conference seeks to translate commitments into action and accelerate collective progress. The work continues to build a fairer, more inclusive development system.