Russia’s G20 Sherpa, Svetlana Lukash, has highlighted the importance of multilateralism for ensuring global stability and sustainability, calling for ongoing dialogue and the strengthening of the United Nations.
“Multilateralism is the only thing that can keep the world together today and save us from collapse, save the economy from complete fragmentation, and ensure global growth and sustainability,” she said.
Despite the current challenges of economic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, Lukash said she remained optimistic.
“We must continue dialogue, no matter what divisions exist in our minds and policies.“
Lukash was speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Sherpa meeting on Thursday, where the world’s largest economies and organisations are convening at Sun City Resort in the North West.
Lukash is the Deputy Head of the Presidential Expert Directorate within the Presidential Executive Office of Russia.
“I think the G20 is very well placed to keep multilateralism as a flag for all humanity. But indeed, what we always keep in mind is that we have the United Nations, and that is the main platform that we need to cherish and need to strengthen.“
She also cast the spotlight on South Africa’s groundbreaking G20 Presidency as a pivotal moment for inclusive international dialogue.
Lukash believes that the strategic vision of multilateralism extends beyond traditional diplomatic frameworks.
By inviting diverse stakeholders and opening dialogue with African neighbours and Global South representatives, Lukash said South Africa aims to create a more representative international platform.
“I think just having the Presidency in Africa for the first time and putting the interests of Africa and of the Global South on the top of the G20 agenda already gives the strongest signal to the world community that the time has changed.”
She is of the view that the G20 should not be a closed forum where only 20 economies discuss issues that matter to the entire world.
“What South Africa’s Presidency did is help open the G20 in the interests of the global majority. That is amazing. So, I really praise what the Presidency is doing this year.”
The Sherpa said the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November represents a critical opportunity to demonstrate how multilateral approaches can address complex global economic challenges.
Lukash also recognised the ongoing geoeconomic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, which include sanctions and tariff wars.
However, she believes that the key multilateral priorities should focus on reforming global institutions such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), addressing geopolitical tensions, and developing more inclusive mechanisms for economic cooperation.
Despite geoeconomic fragmentation and tensions, Lukash said Russia sees the G20 as crucial for global economic cooperation, particularly in trade, energy, and finance.
She told journalists that Russia’s key priorities for the G20 agenda align with South Africa’s goals, focusing on inclusive global growth, job creation, artificial intelligence governance, and critical minerals.
The Sherpa also praised the bilateral relations between South Africa and Russia, particularly in economic cooperation and investments, and expressed full support for South Africa’s G20 priorities.
She said she was also grateful that South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently attended the St Petersburg International Economic Forum during his working visit to Russia.
“We, as Russia, tried to ensure that he spent that time very productively, ensured a lot of discussions with all the government of the Russian Federation, aimed at increasing our cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations by ensuring investments and common economic cooperation between all countries.
“[The Deputy President] very rightly points out the main issues that the investments need to be shifted to the countries of the Global South, and that’s what our President and the Deputy President discussed.”
Lukash has assured the South African government that Russia will support them “completely” in all their priorities and goals.
“We will do our best to make your G20 Leaders’ Summit a success.” – SAnews.gov.za
