United Nations Assistant Secretary-General Selwin Hart concludes strategic climate mission to South Africa

Pretoria, South Africa – 10 April 2025 – The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Climate Action and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, Mr. Selwin Hart, has concluded a high-level visit to South Africa from 7 to 9 April 2025, aimed at strengthening collaboration on climate action and advancing the country's Just Energy Transition.

The visit took place at a pivotal moment in South Africa's climate and development agenda and included meetings with key government officials, UN leadership, the energy sector, youth leaders, and civil society organizations. Mr. Hart met with Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo of Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) with whom he discussed aligning South Africa’s G20 Presidency with the UN agenda, COP30, and advancing Critical Minerals, focusing on beneficiation, value chains, traceability, and G20 support. During his stay, ASG Hart also met with:

• The Honourable Mr. Dion George, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries,
• Mr. Maesela Kekana, Deputy Director-General for Climate Change and Air Quality at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment,
• Dr. Vikesh Rajpaul, General Manager of Eskom’s Just Energy Transition (JET) Office,
• Dr. Crispian Olver, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Climate Commission,
• Mr. Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa and the UN Country Team of South Africa.

A major highlight of the visit was a site visit to the Komati Power Station, a key symbol of South Africa’s transition from coal toward renewable energy, facilitated by the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC).

In addition to high-level engagements, Mr. Hart participated in a Youth Climate Round Table hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), where he heard directly from young climate leaders about their perspectives, ambitions, and calls for stronger action and inclusion in climate governance.

Reflecting on the visit, ASG Hart stated:

“South Africa’s leadership in pursuing a just and inclusive energy transition is crucial not only for the region, but for the global climate movement. The United Nations stands ready to continue supporting South Africa’s efforts to achieve its climate goals while ensuring no one is left behind.”

The visit reaffirmed the UN’s support for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and emphasized the importance of strong multi-sector collaboration to achieve a climate-resilient and equitable future.