Statement by the Head of Delegation of the Russian Federation, G20 Sous-Sherpa Marat Berdyev at the G20 Development Ministers Meeting, session 1 «Multilateralism - Collective Actions for Accelerating Progress towards SDGs», Varanasi, June 12 2023
13 June 2023 16:41
13-06-2023
Distinguished colleagues,
We thank India for its hospitality, ambition, passion and dedication in leading this year. We appreciate the Indian Presidency for its tremendous efforts to move forward the issue of development with a holistic approach that provides for synergies amongst development, growth, climate and environment.
We commend and support the practical results to accelerate progress on SDGs that includes 2023 Action Plan and a set of principles on data for development as well as sustainable lifestyles. They give thoughtful ideas on possible ways to speed up progress on the SDGs realization as we face multiple headwinds. We welcome Indian Presidency for getting us there and profoundly regret that the inclusion of Bali geopolitical paragraphs under the pressure by the West rendered the whole document a chair's statement and call to name it subsequently. We completely disassociate ourselves with any reference to its status as a common outcome and the mentioned paragraphs and request this dissent to be highlighted in the document if the title is presented otherwise.
On the linkage of climate and development, we share the need for CO2 emission reduction and removals and stress the need to employ all viable options and technologies while refraining from raising unfair trade barriers or risking the pace of economic development. We must make sure that no one is left behind and at the same time targeted support is provided to the poorest.
Climate and environment goals can only be attained if enhanced access to climate finance is provided at affordable terms as an additional source available in particular for developing countries. We call on developed countries to fulfill their outstanding commitments in this regard of no less than 100 bln USD per year. This pledge has long been overdue on the backdrop of massive sponsorship of warmongering activities by the West.
Adequate and timely finance, transfer and deployment of technologies and solutions that avoid, abate and remove GHG emissions as well as enhanced adaptation action are essential. In this regard we recall the important role of suitable solutions and cleaner energy sources such as natural gas, hydrogen and nuclear.
COVID pandemic and mounting geopolitical tensions took a heavy toll on the developing countries' abilities to respond to the current economic and climate challenges. The situation kept aggravating by shortcomings within the current model of global economic governance. We have recently witnessed how the reserve currencies' issuers injected the ailing economy with cash windfall, spiraling inflation and creating serious disproportions on financial markets.
Moreover, the world had to adjust to rapidly changing geopolitical environment. The unwillingness of the Western countries to discuss mutual security guarantees, economic wars they had unleashed amidst attempts to shift primary responsibility for the degradation of international relations to other states, including Russia is quite worrisome. It reveals strong intention by the West to resist a multipolar world and the primacy of the UN Charter, trying to replace them with their own unilateral rules.
We are concerned by cases of weaponization of economy by the West, in particular in areas of food and energy security through price ceilings, misuse of value chains, seizure of foreign assets, like Russian fertilizers capturing by the EU. The new wave of large-scale threats emerges from terrorist attacks/war crimes of Kiev regime and its accomplices against critical civil infrastructure. These outrageous acts of sabotage include explosions of Crimean Bridge, North Stream gas pipelines, Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline and Khahovka hydropower dam that inflict enormous humanitarian damage, material and environmental disaster.
We are convinced that a dialogue between sovereign states based on mutual respect and equality is a prerequisite for implementing the 2030 Agenda and achieving the SDGs. Developing countries need to strengthen ownership over their natural resources and have a full right to decide over national economic policies. The BRICS members work hard to source investments for development and ensure transactions in national currencies.
Russia supports developing countries as a donor at an amount of about 1,4 bln USD per year and serves as a major supplier of food, fertilizers and energy. We will be hosting 2nd Russia-Africa Summit on July 26-29 in Saint-Petersburg to foster our cooperation and look forward for the African Union membership at the G20. Our country also endeavors to implement the Greater Eurasian Partnership underpinned by closer relationships between Eurasian Economic Union, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and ASEAN.
As the UN 2023 SDGs Summit this September is approaching Russia hopes for the G20 strong contribution to its success by emphasizing our commitment to build a truly multilateral system based on the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and encompassing the interests of the world majority. Our ultimate goal should be to provide a level playing field in international trade, investment and financing, eliminating any form of discrimination including unilateral sanctions, boycotts, blockades and embargoes.
Thank you.
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