Latest news with #SouthAfricanInstituteofInternationalAffairs
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Exploring BRICS' role in addressing global challenges and fostering dialogue
The Valdai Discussion Club in partnership with the South African Institute of International Affairs hosts the 3rd Russian-African Conference in Pretoria titled: 'Realpolitik in a Divided World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in a Global and African Context'. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The role of BRICS in the world has been hailed as a positive force driving dialogue and creating strategic conditions for development, rather than opposing any particular nation, including the US. This message was delivered at the Russia-Africa conference, co-hosted by the Valdai Discussion Club and the South African Institute of International Affairs in Pretoria. The conference, titled 'Realpolitik Responses in a Fractured World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in Global and African Context', brought together top government officials and academics to share their perspectives on 'G20 and BRICS: Assessing Strategic Roles in an Evolving Global Order'. Dmitry Birichevsky, director of the Department of Economic Cooperation at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the BRICS leadership cycle in the G20 has coincided with a strengthening of its economic positions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The mounting influence of BRICS has asserted itself as a centre for growth, innovation and one of the main pillars of a new and more just world order,' he said. He added that BRICS' principles of consensus, equality, and mutual consideration of each other's interests resonate with the growing number of countries in the Global South. Key issues on the BRICS agenda include making economic governance more democratic and bridging the digital and ecological divide between the Global North and the Global South. Birichevsky reiterated Russia's support for the South African presidency, saying it has predictably placed G20 emphasis on the African agenda amid the alarming development in the global economy. Philani Mthembu, executive director of the Institute for Global Dialogue, noted that the recent presidencies of BRICS and G20 have coincided with a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, which has heightened the focus on these forums. He stressed that the low level of participation or absence of the US should not be the only thing on their radar. 'The participation of the US will not make or break South Africa's G20 presidency. The US must be seen in a broader context where the US is pursuing what it views as America first,' he said. Mthembu added that BRICS should aim to reform international institutions from within while also applying external pressure. Elena Maslova, associate professor at MGIMO University's Department of Integration Studies, recommended that BRICS delve into issues such as climate change. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers Elena Maslova, associate professor at MGIMO University's Department of Integration Studies, suggested that BRICS should explore topics such as climate change, highlighting the declaration on climate finance as a significant step forward. 'BRICS is gradually becoming a key platform for climate dialogue as well. BRICS should strive to create its single space for climate finance implementation to make it possible to reduce emissions,' she said. Maslova emphasised that BRICS is not a confrontational tool, but rather a valuable platform for tackling global challenges. Nourhan ElSheikh, professor of International Relations at Cairo University, stated that the Global South's influence has surged over the past decade, largely due to BRICS and G20, which are driving forces behind the emerging new world order. 'The Global South matters a lot not only for competition among colonial powers but also as a global player in international politics,' she said. ElSheikh remarked that the Global South has matured to the point where it can identify its own interests, rather than automatically aligning with the US, which is still trying to maintain its global dominance. 'Now we have the Global South saying 'no' and that this is not in our favour or interest and we have the right to choose our way,' she said. Cape Times
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
How Russia's historical ties are fading in southern Africa
The Valdai Discussion Club in partnership with the South African Institute of International Affairs hosts the 3rd Russian-African Conference in Pretoria titled: 'Realpolitik in a Divided World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in a Global and African Context'. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers Russia's influence in southern Africa is facing a significant challenge as the region's historical memory of the Soviet Union's role in liberation movements begins to fade. Lwazi Somya, manager of research and development at the Southern African Liaison Office, made this observation during the Russia-Africa conference co-hosted by the Valdai Discussion Club and the South African Institute of International Affairs in Pretoria. He warned that the decline in electoral support for former liberation movements in southern Africa could signal a loss of historical memory in Russia's relations with African countries, potentially eroding the soft power gained during the Soviet Union era. "Russia has to engage with the decline of support to former liberation movements within southern Africa in terms of electoral support," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Somya cited the recent meeting of southern African liberation movements, where Russia was mentioned only once in the declaration, as evidence of the diminishing influence. He also pointed out that Russia's trade relations with South Africa are relatively low, ranking 46th as an export partner and 39th as a source of imports. "The ideological dilution of governance within southern Africa" and the emergence of a new generation without attachment to the liberation history are further challenges for Russia, Somya said. "Young people are forgetting the historical role Russia played, and therefore those historic memory connections Russia has predicated on and relied on in terms of soft power are declining," he added. Godwin Gonde, a lecturer at the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Regions in Tanzania, noted that Russian-African relations have evolved, spanning pre-colonial, liberation Struggle, Cold War, and post-Cold War eras. However, he emphasised that the current generation often lacks knowledge of this history, and that Russia's re-engagement with Africa is taking place in a vastly different context. "The future generation will no longer have the same historical context and good notion of relations," Gonde said, highlighting the importance of learning from past experiences to move forward as global partners. He added that Russia's renewed engagement with Africa comes at a time when the continent is struggling to find its footing in a rapidly changing world. Munyaradzi Nyakudya, chairperson of the Department of Peace, Security and Society at the University of Zimbabwe, praised the Russians for their trade cooperation investments made in his country. "I think they are doing a lot in terms of trying to get into mining and energy. We have seen some cultural exchanges. We have seen quite a number in terms of the scholarships and education exchanges," he said. However, Nyakudya noted that despite significant developments on the ground, the visibility of Russia's presence in Zimbabwe is lacking, and the relationship between the two countries has faced criticism for being elitist. He bemoaned the fact that the benefits of the partnership are not trickling down to the grassroots level, where the country's resources are being exported as raw materials.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Russia, Africa hold high-level discussions to bolster cooperation and jointly navigate global challenges
Pretoria, July 28 (UNI) The Valdai Discussion Club, in collaboration with the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), is hosting the third Russia-Africa Conference in Pretoria, South Africa, reports Russian state media TASS. Titled 'Realpolitik in a Divided World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in a Global and African Context,' this one-day event gathers political leaders, diplomats, and leading experts from across Africa and Russia. Delegates from Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Russia, South Africa, and Tanzania are participating in high-level discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation and forging robust partnerships. The conference is designed to strengthen connections between Russian and African policy experts, facilitate private dialogue on pressing international challenges, and develop actionable foreign policy recommendations. The programme includes an opening session followed by four thematic panels that will delve into critical issues in global politics. Key topics for discussion include: Strategic roles of the G20 and BRICS in the evolving global order, Humanitarian cooperation and the significance of historical memory in Russia's relations with South Africa and other African nations, Current state and future prospects of bilateral relations between Russia and South Africa, and Potential global impact of US policies under 'Trump and the World Order', and how Russia and African countries can strategically navigate these evolving dynamics. This Africa-focused initiative by the Valdai Club underscores Russia's ongoing commitment to recalibrate its engagement with the continent through diplomacy, dialogue, and a pragmatic approach to international relations. UNI ANV RN
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
How BRICS is fostering dialogue and addressing global challenges
The Valdai Discussion Club, in partnership with the South African Institute of International Affairs, hosted the 3rd Russian-African Conference titled 'Realpolitik in a Divided World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in a Global and African Context' in Pretoria. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The role of BRICS in the world has been hailed as a positive force driving dialogue and creating strategic conditions for development, rather than opposing any particular nation, including the United States (US). This message was delivered at the Russia-Africa conference, co-hosted by the Valdai Discussion Club and the South African Institute of International Affairs in Pretoria. The conference, titled 'Realpolitik Responses in a Fractured World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in Global and African Context', brought together top government officials and academics to share their perspectives on 'G20 and BRICS: Assessing Strategic Roles in an Evolving Global Order'. Dmitry Birichevsky, director of the Department of Economic Cooperation at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the BRICS leadership cycle in the G20 has coincided with a strengthening of its economic positions. 'The mounting influence of BRICS has asserted itself as a centre for growth, innovation and one of the main pillars of a new and more just world order,' he said. He added that BRICS' principles of consensus, equality, and mutual consideration of each other's interests resonate with the growing number of countries in the Global South. Key issues on the BRICS agenda include making economic governance more democratic and bridging the digital and ecological divide between the Global North and the Global South. Birichevsky reiterated Russia's support for the South African presidency, saying it has predictably placed G20 emphasis on the African agenda amid the alarming development in the global economy. Philani Mthembu, executive director of the Institute for Global Dialogue, noted that the recent presidencies of BRICS and G20 have coincided with a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, which has heightened the focus on these forums. He stressed that the low level of participation or absence of the United States should not be the only thing on their radar. 'The participation of the US will not make or break South Africa's G20 presidency. The US must be seen in a broader context where the US is pursuing what it views as America first,' he said. Mthembu added that BRICS should aim to reform international institutions from within while also applying external pressure. Elena Maslova, associate professor at MGIMO University's Department of Integration Studies, recommended that BRICS delve into issues such as climate change. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers Elena Maslova, associate professor at MGIMO University's Department of Integration Studies, suggested that BRICS should explore topics such as climate change, highlighting the declaration on climate finance as a significant step forward. 'BRICS is gradually becoming a key platform for climate dialogue as well. BRICS should strive to create its single space for climate finance implementation to make it possible to reduce emissions,' she said. Maslova emphasised that BRICS is not a confrontational tool, but rather a valuable platform for tackling global challenges. Nourhan ElSheikh, professor of International Relations at Cairo University, stated that the Global South's influence has surged over the past decade, largely due to BRICS and G20, which are driving forces behind the emerging new world order. 'The Global South matters a lot not only for competition among colonial powers but also as a global player in international politics,' she said. ElSheikh remarked that the Global South has matured to the point where it can identify its own interests, rather than automatically aligning with the US, which is still trying to maintain its global dominance. 'Now we have the Global South saying 'no' and that this is not in our favour or interest and we have the right to choose our way,' she said. [email protected]
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
City of Johannesburg takes a stand for clean air
#PauseAndBreathe is more than a one-day activation On Saturday, 28 June, the City of Johannesburg, in collaboration with the pioneering Breathe Cities initiative, hosted the #PauseAndBreathe campaign across the city and with a flagship Hike for the Environment at Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort. Even as a cold front gripped Joburg, the sun broke through to warm residents who gathered to pause, breathe and take a collective stand for cleaner air. The Hike for the Environment formed part of Youth Month celebrations and included a guided nature walk, youth-led environmental exhibits and interactive learning experiences. Among the 200 attendees were representatives from Pikitup; student volunteers from the University of Johannesburg; South African Institute of International Affairs air quality youth ambassadors; the Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment; ward councillors; members of the Johannesburg Junior Council; and the Junior MMC for Environment. Attendees showed strong community interest in air quality issues, and the conversation gained momentum online as people shared images and messages using #PauseAndBreathe, #CleanAirJozi and #JoburgCares to amplify the call for immediate action. At 12pm, participants at Kloofendal paused mindfully to show support for clean air for all Joburgers. All music and activity stopped for a brief moment, and breathing coach Marj Murray of Breathwork Africa led a guided breathing exercise. Across the city, residents also joined in, at home with family, at work or outdoors, sharing reflections and photos online. In the lead-up to the day, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero said, 'Air pollution is not just a global environmental issue – it's a public health emergency. In Johannesburg, we witness its effects most sharply during the winter months, especially in our most vulnerable communities. As Executive Mayor, I'm committed to mobilising the full resources of the city to take bold, decisive action that will clean our air, protect our health and secure a better quality of life for every resident.' Johannesburg MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Jack Sekwaila, who took part in the Kloofendal event, said: 'This day is about accountability – facing the environmental challenges head-on and standing together to come up with solutions that are not only sustainable, but are just, inclusive and empowering. We must work together as residents to phase out harmful practices and adopt cleaner technologies and put people's health first.' Everest mountaineer and expedition leader Sibusiso Vilane supported the campaign and shared on X, 'I fully support the #PauseAndBreathe campaign for #CleanAirJozi. Clean air is essential for all life, everywhere. It is the breath of our existence, foundational to our health, ecological balance and well-being.' The Kloofendal event also served as the official release of a new polling report supported by the City of Johannesburg and Breathe Cities: Defining a Clean Air Zone for Johannesburg. According to the report, 92% of surveyed Joburg residents are concerned about air quality, and 78% of people living with illnesses believe their conditions are linked to the quality of the air they breathe. Johannesburg is one of 14 cities supported by Breathe Cities, a programme delivered by the Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities and Bloomberg Philanthropies to help cities reduce air pollution through data-driven strategies and community collaboration. As part of Breathe Cities, the city has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing air quality solutions and continuing public engagement. #PauseAndBreathe is more than a one-day activation. It marks the start of an ongoing programme of activities and awareness campaigns by the City of Johannesburg to improve air quality and involve residents in long-term change. Three key initiatives are already underway: A new study will identify the main sources of air pollution and highlight which areas of Johannesburg are most exposed. This will help the city design smarter, more focused interventions. South Africa's first real-world vehicle emissions testing campaign begins in July. Focusing on the transport sector, it will assess Joburg's vehicle fleet and identify the types of vehicles and areas responsible for the highest emissions. The findings will inform future policy to reduce transport-related pollution. A health risk assessment will quantify the impact of air pollution on residents. It will provide clearer links between air quality and public health and support stronger actions to protect communities. Residents can learn more about clean air initiatives and how to get involved by following the city's social media pages and official website.
