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Russia Endorses South Africa’s G20 Leadership, Praises Push for Global South Priorities

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Russia Endorses South Africa’s G20 Leadership, Praises Push for Global South Priorities

(3 Minutes Read)

In a strong show of support, Russia has reaffirmed its backing for South Africa’s G20 presidency, applauding Pretoria’s efforts to elevate the concerns of the Global South within the influential international forum. Russia’s G20 Sherpa, Svetlana Lukash, voiced this endorsement during the G20 Sherpas meeting held in Sun City, South Africa — a key preparatory session ahead of the full summit set to take place in Johannesburg.

Lukash highlighted the importance of South Africa’s agenda, which centers on inclusive economic growth, job creation, sustainable development, and industrialisation, especially across the African continent. She commended South Africa for prioritising these areas, noting that such a focus not only reflects the urgent needs of developing countries but also rebalances the G20’s historically Western-leaning priorities.

“We really praise South Africa for the priorities you brought to the table during the presidency, including economic growth, job creation, green development, and industrialisation, primarily for Africa,” Lukash said in an interview with SABC News. “This brings the voice of the Global South to the global agenda, and that is what G20 really needs.”

Amid a climate of increasing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, Lukash emphasized Russia’s belief in multilateralism as the cornerstone for maintaining global stability and cooperation. She warned that without unified international dialogue, forums like the G20 risk irrelevance in a fragmented global economy.

“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,” Lukash stated.

Despite ongoing divisions among G20 members over issues such as war, trade, and economic policy, Lukash insisted that the G20 continues to function effectively. Its unique composition — uniting both developed and developing nations — positions it as a rare platform where consensus is still possible.

“G20, which unites developed and developing countries, is still able to come to common decisions,” she noted. “It is very well placed to keep multilateralism as a flag for all humanity.”

South Africa assumed the G20 presidency with a clear commitment to championing the interests of emerging markets and developing economies. Lukash acknowledged this trend, pointing out that a series of Global South presidencies in recent years has gradually shifted the group’s focus toward a more balanced, inclusive agenda.

Lukash also underscored the enduring importance of the United Nations, calling it the ultimate venue for resolving global challenges. While the G20 plays a crucial navigational role in managing current international complexities, she said, its destination — the final decision-making authority — remains the UN.

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“The G20 is like a vessel navigating very difficult international dynamics, but ultimately it must dock at the UN for the most significant resolutions,” she concluded.

As the Johannesburg summit approaches, Russia’s endorsement of South Africa’s leadership adds further momentum to a presidency that seeks to redefine the global economic order through the lens of equity, inclusivity, and development for the Global South.