The primary objective of the South African Government is to develop a better life for all citizens by generating wealth and providing security. South Africa’s foreign policy objectives are therefore essentially an outward projection of the country’s domestic imperatives.
South Africa’s foreign policy objectives are to: - promote democratisation and respect for human rights - prevent conflict and promote peaceful resolution of disputes - advance sustainable development and alleviate poverty.
South Africa’s leadership roles in pursuit of its foreign policy objectives include
chairing the Non-aligned Movement (NAM) from 1998 to 2001, the Commonwealth from 2000 to 2001 and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 2002
hosting the United Nations (UN) World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002
chairpersonship of the newly established African Union (AU)
promoting peace and stability in countries such as Sierra Leone, Ethiopia/Eritrea, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Comoros, Cote d’ Ivoire and Burundi
promoting the interests of developing countries with regard to poverty reduction, debt relief and the democratisation of international relations in high-level interaction with developed countries through its work at the G-20 of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), discussions with the Group of Eight Industrialised Countries (G-8) at their summits, and initiatives at other UN fora.
