The article presents the analysis of Russia positions on key global governance issues. The analysis has been carried out on the basis of G20 documents and data from national sources (laws, national programs, leaders’ statements etc). The research highlights Russian priorities which define its positions in G20 and other international institutions.

Russia is the only state, which is a member of G8 and BRICS, multilateral institutions representing different countries groupings. Russia is also a permanent member of the UN Security Council. This enables to promote Russian national interests through these key global governance institutions. A sequence of presidencies in three major informal international institutions: G20, G8 and BRICS in 2012 – 2015, presents a unique opportunity to contribute considerably to global problems solving, but requires significant efforts to develop coordinated programs of these presidencies. Russia recognizes importance of the most global governance issues and has formulated positions on them. During its 2013 Presidency Russia will continue to focus G20 agenda on economic issues with particular emphasis on further fiscal consolidation, international financial institutions reform, financial inclusion and financial literacy. Environmental issues could be included in the G20 agenda, given the importance of major greenhouse gas emitters’ participation in the climate agreements. Russia could benefit from sustainable partnerships on enhancing energy efficiency as this could attract new technologies. G20 agenda on energy can be expanded by including issues of infrastructure, reliable supplies and access to energy. In the technological risks cluster an emphasis can be made on the infrastructure development. Inclusion of societal problems in the G20 agenda is less likely with the exception of water supply shortage.

The study is implemented within the project of the Russian International Affairs Council and International Organizations Research Institute National Research University Higher School of Economics “Enhancing Effectiveness of Russia’s Participation in G20, G8 and BRICS”.