“Building a Better World: The Diplomacy of Ubuntu” Draft White Paper on South Africa’s Foreign Policy Presented by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

Background Green Paper on Foreign Policy was finalised in 1996. In 2010 the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation initiated an assessment of South Africa’s foreign policy against the backdrop of a rapidly changing international relations environment. DIRCO therefore engaged a broad base of stakeholders. Successive drafts were workshopped with: ICTS cluster, other departments, provinces, former diplomats, academia, think tanks, business, organised labour, NGOs and civil society. Approved by Cabinet on 5 December 2012 for submission to Parliament

Strategic Purpose The White Paper strives to outline the broad principles and elements of South Africa’s foreign policy, as well as a framework for implementation thereof, including clarification on the role & mandate of DIRCO. The White Paper presents a framework for achieving Outcome 11, namely to create a better South Africa and contribute to a better and safer Africa and World.

Structure of the White Paper Foreword Preamble Introduction The Mandate of DIRCO South Africa’s Values and Interests Drivers and Trends in the Global System Global Positioning of South Africa Taking Diplomacy Forward

Key Concepts The White Paper grounds foreign policy in South Africa’s domestic priorities. The White Paper acknowledges the inter-connectedness/relationship between interests and values in determining the National Interest. The concept of the “Diplomacy of Ubuntu” is used to explain South Africa’s foreign policy approach - of collaboration, cooperation and partnership rather than of conflict and the use of force.

Pillars of South Africa’s Foreign Policy Central importance of our immediate neighbourhood and the African Continent as a whole; Working with the South to address shared challenges of underdevelopment; Working with the North to develop true and effective partnerships for a better world; Transforming and strengthening the multilateral system to better reflect global diversity & its importance in global governance. Promoting global equity and social justice;

Key Foreign Policy Principles States are inter-dependent Cooperation over competition and collaboration over confrontation Draws on the spirit of internationalism, pan-Africanism, and South-South solidarity, rejects colonialism and other forms of oppression Pursues the aspirations for African unity and the economic, political and social renewal of Africa

Key Foreign Policy Principles (cont) Committed to development partnerships with countries of the North, as well as through trilateral and South-South cooperation Promotes poverty alleviation around the world; and opposition to structural inequality and abuse of power in the global system Pursues democracy within the international system of governance

Drivers and Trends in the Global System Rapidly changing economic & political order: Demographics Realignment of economic power Innovation New media and social networks Environmental change Heightened tensions over scarce resources Changing nature of conflict and insecurity

Global Positioning of South Africa South Africa’s vision: to be a successful, influential and leading member of the international community build a globally competitive economy on a sustained growth path continue making significant inroads in addressing unemployment, inequality and poverty to contribute to the development of our region and continent.

Africa Our struggle for a better life in South Africa is intertwined with our pursuit of a better Africa in a better world. Our destiny is inextricably linked to that of the Southern African region. We therefore support the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Regional and continental integration is the foundation for Africa’s socio-economic development and political unity, and essential for our own prosperity and security. Africa is at the centre of South Africa’s foreign policy. We actively support regional and continental processes.

Africa’s Potential Structural changes in the global economy have opened up opportunities that position Africa as significant to the global economy, despite the global economic downturn. Africa benefited greatly from the demand for its natural resources as a result of the rise of emerging powers. Accelerated growth above the global average has been demonstrated in many African countries. Several factors lie behind these changes, including improved governance, better business environments, increased demand for goods and services, social mobility and demographic change.

The African Agenda Given the global trend towards regionalism, the acceleration of Africa’s regional integration is imperative for economic competiveness and greater economies of scale. Peace, stability, and security are essential preconditions for development. South Africa will continue its active engagement in the AU, SADC and their structures in order to fulfil their roles in building unity and driving social and economic development of the continent and region.

Development Partnerships South Africa will continue to engage internationally on aid effectiveness, increased global development assistance, and strengthening development partnerships. The South African Development Partnership Agency (SADPA) will be an important instrument to promote more effective development cooperation. We will therefore pursue bilateral cooperation with African countries as well as trilateral cooperation with international partners in support of African development.

Multilateralism Global challenges: human security, environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation, development (and the Post-2015 Development Agenda), political and economic crises, human rights, disarmament and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Multilateral cooperation is needed to find equitable multilateral solutions to global problems. The United Nations system, through its universal membership and broad mandate, occupies the central and indispensable role within the global system of governance. However, the global multilateral architecture has its roots in the post-Second World War context and needs urgent reform.

Reform of the UN and Bretton Woods Institutions The developing world, especially Africa, has a limited voice and participation in the decision- and policy-making processes of the global trade, economic and financial institutions. South Africa recognises the importance of multilateralism and a rules-based system governed by international law. Comprehensive reform is needed of the architecture of global governance, including the UN system and the Bretton Woods Institutions, to make them more effective, legitimate, and responsive to the needs of the developing world. The UN Security Council: SA served twice as a non-permanent member SA continues to pursue reform to establish greater African representation.

Other forums Groupings form outside established multilateral structures to address specific issues affecting the international community. Groups such as the G20, IBSA, BRICS, ALBA and MIKTA have grown in prominence and are focused on global issues related to political, security, environment and economic matters. South Africa supports the use of such groupings as an important mechanism for consensus building, whilst recognising the centrality of the UN and ensuring that its processes are not undermined.

Economic Diplomacy Success of economic diplomacy linked to achievement of domestic priorities. Economy must be able to compete in the global market. Aim is to pursue national economic policy objectives and leverage opportunities that arise from global markets and increasing flows of global trade and investment. Focus of our international engagements must therefore include the creation of sustainable jobs and scaled up investments in employment-intensive sectors in South Africa.

Economic Diplomacy (cont…) South Africa’s economic diplomacy will therefore: Provide guidance to government and the business sector on economic developments and markets, Pursue market access for South African products, Strive to attract investment and tourism, Remove barriers to trade, Support development of larger markets in Africa, Enhance competitiveness of South African goods and services in the major global markets, and Pursue a fair and equitable rules-based international trade regime.

Taking Diplomacy Forward Cross-sectoral approach and coordinated response required across all spheres of government, public enterprises, the private sector, labour, civil society, and other non-state actors. Strengthen the Consultative Forum on International Relations Establish South African Council on International Relations Public diplomacy essential to project South Africa’s image, values and culture both domestically and abroad. South Africa’s Diplomacy of Ubuntu focuses on our common humanity, and provides an inclusive and constructive world view to shape the evolving global order.

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