Russian Delegation Takes Part in W20 Summit in South Africa

The Summit of Women 20 (W20), the official G20 engagement group dedicated to gender equality and women's economic empowerment since 2015, was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 12 to October 14, 2025. This year’s event, chaired by South Africa, placed a special emphasis on the African perspective within the global agenda.

Delegates from more than 20 countries attended the summit, including Australia, Argentina, Brazil, the UK, Germany, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Italy, Canada, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Turkey, and France. The Russian delegation was headed by Victoria Panova, Russia's W20 Sherpa, Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, and Vice Rector at HSE University.

Preparations for the summit spanned nine months, during which national delegations negotiated key focus areas and developed proposals for the final communiqué. The resulting document outlines key areas requiring systemic and coordinated international action and is grounded in the Ubuntu philosophy—a concept centred on solidarity, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility.

This year's communiqué establishes priorities to secure stable funding for gender equality initiatives, create accountability systems for implementing equality policies, and build infrastructure for collecting and analysing data disaggregated by gender, age, education, and health status. It also highlights the new Johannesburg 2035 Goals, which succeed the earlier Brisbane Goals. These new targets aim to reduce gender gaps in employment, pay, and unpaid care work by 35%, and to eradicate all forms of modern slavery.

The document also includes dedicated sections on supporting women's entrepreneurship, developing financial tools and inclusion programmes, building a stronger care economy, investing in digital literacy and STEM education, and ensuring women's participation in the green and energy transition. The text notes that equality is not just a matter of justice but also an economic driver: every dollar invested in the care sector can generate up to $3.76 in global GDP growth.

A significant focus is placed on healthcare and combating violence against women and girls. Participants called for establishing gender-sensitive health systems, guaranteeing universal access to reproductive rights and mental health, and strengthening protections against digital and technology-facilitated violence.

The final communiqué was presented to Thembisile Simelane, South Africa's Minister of the Department of Human Settlements, and forwarded to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, and the Office of the President for submission to G20 leaders.

In her closing remarks, Minister Simelane highlighted that South Africa's G20 presidency is part of a strong succession of Global South leadership—following Indonesia, India, and Brazil—that offers a unique chance to integrate African priorities into global governance.

Former South African Minister of International Relations Naledi Pandor also shared her perspective on the summit’s priorities. She acknowledged the progress made in the three decades since the Beijing Conference, such as improved access to education for women, greater involvement in science and academia, and more women entering traditionally male-dominated professions. However, she also pointed to enduring challenges, including high rates of violence, widespread poverty among African women, and continued barriers to financial resources.

According to Naledi Pandor, empowering women requires a comprehensive strategy: safeguarding reproductive rights, broadening economic opportunities, investing in innovation, and reforming international institutions to make them more equitable and effective. The Minister also stressed the value of cooperation within Global South associations like BRICS and the African Union, and the vital need for women’s active involvement in peace and security decisions.

The Russian delegation endorsed the communiqué’s main provisions, highlighting the importance of a practical approach to developing women’s leadership, enhancing international cooperation, and sharing best practices. Victoria Panova emphasised that the W20 platform plays a crucial role in shaping the global women’s agenda and advancing equal opportunities.

The W20 Summit in Johannesburg marked an important step in preparing recommendations for G20 leaders, which will be presented at the group’s November summit. The final W20 document presents a vision for the future where women are central to achieving sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development.