Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to backing South Africa’s G20 presidency, describing Pretoria’s leadership as an important step in bringing the priorities of the Global South to the forefront of the group’s agenda.
“We really praise South Africa for the priorities you brought to the table during the presidency, including economic growth, job creation, green development, and industrialization, primarily for Africa,” Lukash told SABC News. “This brings the voice of the Global South to the global agenda, and that is what G20 really needs.”
Russia says G20 under South Africa’s leadership can amplify Global South priorities
“Multilateralism is the only thing that can keep the world together today, save the G20 from collapse, save the economy from complete fragmentation, and ensure global growth,” she said.
She added that despite divisions among member states, the G20 remained capable of reaching collective decisions.
“G20, which unites developed and developing countries, is still able to come to common decisions,” Lukash said. “It is very well placed to keep multilateralism as a flag for all humanity.”
South Africa took over the G20 presidency with plans to prioritize the interests of emerging markets and developing economies. Lukash noted that in recent years, consecutive presidencies by countries in the Global South have helped shift the group’s focus away from the perspectives of advanced economies alone.
She also emphasized the importance of the United Nations as the main platform for global decision-making, describing the G20 as a vessel navigating challenging international dynamics but ultimately docking at the UN for the most critical resolutions.
