Expert: G20 Summit in South Africa to reinforce multilateral cooperation and propose responses to global challenges

The current G20 Summit will help strengthen multilateralism and provide a platform for seeking solutions to global challenges. This view was expressed by Xu Feibiao, Director of the Center for BRICS and G20 Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, in an exclusive interview with CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

Xu Feibiao emphasised the historic significance of holding the summit in South Africa, as this is the first G20 Summit to take place on the African continent. He noted that the event offers Africa – as an important gathering place for the Global South – a unique opportunity to demonstrate its role at this multilateral meeting and propose its own solutions to challenges, including those of an economic nature.

The expert recalled several priority areas identified by the South African Presidency, namely reducing losses caused by natural disasters, advancing the transition to green energy, and finding reliable financial mechanisms.

“If certain agreements are reached and unique ideas are put forward, this will be of great significance for Africa’s development in particular, and for sustainable development as a whole,” he stated.

He also noted that some new initiatives may be introduced at the summit, such as the establishment of an “Africa Credit Rating Agency” and the promotion of cross-border infrastructure projects, the latter being one of South Africa’s priorities.

Finally, speaking about the role of the G20, Xu Feibiao stressed that the G20 is “a leading platform for global governance”, and that the group’s economic strength, political influence and authority are unmatched. He emphasised that the G20’s achievements in global taxation, infrastructure, human development, the digital economy and artificial intelligence are crucial for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The TV BRICS International Media Network is an officially accredited media outlet at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, which will take place this year on 22–23 November.

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