OXFORD, England — South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola, addressed the Oxford Society on the topic, “The Western Liberal Order and the Rise of the South,” highlighting the growing influence of the Global South in global affairs and the urgent need for equitable international cooperation.
Lamola’s speech, delivered at the prestigious forum, underscored the shifting balance of power from the Western world to emerging nations in the Global South, urging a rethinking of international relations that respects the sovereignty and development needs of Southern countries.

“In the past, the Western liberal order has sought to shape the world in its own image,” Lamola stated.
“But today, the fulcrum of world order no longer lies exclusively in the West. We live in a pluralistic world where nations in the Global South are increasingly asserting their rights and their place in shaping global discourse.”
He began by referencing the powerful words of former South African President Nelson Mandela during his inauguration, highlighting the global commitment to ending oppression. However, Lamola noted that despite these ideals, the reality in regions like Gaza, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains starkly different, with human rights violations and territorial sovereignty under threat.
Lamola also referenced South Africa’s own democratic progress, particularly following the nation’s 2024 elections. “We held our seventh election with democratic credentials intact, despite some challenges, including the ANC not securing over 50% of the vote for the first time since 1994,” he said. “This is proof that we respect the ‘will of the people’ and uphold democratic processes, not just at home but as part of our foreign policy agenda.”

In a poignant section of his speech, Lamola condemned the persistent violence and human rights abuses in the eastern DRC, urging the United Nations to ensure that those supporting armed groups and violating international law be held accountable. He called for an urgent renewal of diplomatic dialogue between Rwanda and the DRC to resolve the conflict and restore peace in the region.
Discussing the rise of multilateral institutions such as BRICS, Lamola illustrated their growing importance in challenging the old world order.
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“BRICS is not an alliance like NATO, but a pluriversal group that reflects diverse political, economic, and cultural identities,” he explained. “This is a challenge to the unipolarity of Western-led global governance.”

Lamola also shared insights into South Africa’s leadership role within the G20, where the nation is championing issues like sustainable development, equity, and climate justice. “We must question why Africa, which contributes the least to global warming, receives only 3% of climate funding,” he pointed out. “This discrepancy highlights the need for a global economic system that addresses the injustices faced by the South.”
The speech concluded with a call for genuine multilateralism, questioning whether Western powers are truly committed to creating a shared world or if they remain focused on maintaining their hegemonic dominance. “As South Africa, we are committed to the ideals of non-alignment and peaceful resolution of conflicts,” Lamola asserted. “It is time for the West to engage in dialogue with the South to create a more inclusive and just global order.”
The event, which marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day, drew attention to the legacy of oppression and the need for a more inclusive world order based on respect for human dignity and justice.