Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2 min read | 11:25 am CAT

The G20 is critical in creating an enabling environment for inclusive global growth and development. Its work on ensuring financial stability, promoting growth and avoiding and managing crises is crucial for supporting the opportunities and facing challenges for LIDCs.

In discussion with Radio Islam International, Executive Director at the Institute for Global Dialogue, Philani Mtembu, highlights the agenda for the G20 Summit set to take place in Bali, Indonesia. 

South Africa has remained Co-Chair of the Development Working Group within the G20 since its inception in 2010, so it has the opportunity to advance critical development issues that affect the African Continent.

The G20 Development Working Group falls under the Sherpa track of the G20. The G20 forum needs to discuss various issues affecting developing countries.

On the agenda for 2022, Mtembu said the primary concern is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. There was a lot of pressure on the current host Indonesia to exclude Russia from participating in this year’s Summit.

However, Indonesia did not necessarily bow to the pressure put on it by the UN and key European countries to exclude Russia. Instead, there was a compromise which invited the President Zelensky of Ukraine. 

The other issues of importance include digitisation, such as food security and broader peace and security issues. 

The most recent response from the Kremlin leaves question marks surrounding the attendance of Putin at the 2022 summit. 

Meanwhile, the world is trying to recover economically after the pandemic. Mtembu said the challenge would feature as a critical issue at the Summit. 

“Indonesia as a country of the Global South will be acutely aware of the current situation of many countries in the Global South who, after the pandemic, were hoping to look toward economic recovery,” he says.

Listen below to the interview with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Philani Mtembu on Radio Islam’s podcast.