In a historic move, the G20, composed of the world's most influential and prosperous nations, officially welcomed the African Union (AU) as a permanent member during its summit held in New Delhi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on September 9, marking a significant milestone in global diplomacy and cooperation.
The African Union, a continental body representing 55 member states, has now ascended to the same status as the European Union (EU), which is the only regional bloc with full G20 membership. Previously, the AU was classified as an "invited international organization."
Prime Minister Modi, in his opening address at the summit, extended a formal invitation to the AU, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to join the G20 leaders' table as a permanent member. He expressed his delight at this development, emphasizing its potential to strengthen both the G20 and the representation of the Global South.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed his enthusiasm through his official social media account on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 Family. This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South. pic.twitter.com/fQQvNEA17o
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2023
The decision to include the African Union as a permanent member had been initially proposed by Prime Minister Modi in June.
In addition to the momentous decision regarding the AU's inclusion, the G20 summit is addressing a range of pressing global issues. These topics include increased financial assistance to developing nations by multilateral institutions, reform of the international debt architecture, regulations on cryptocurrencies, and the implications of geopolitical events on food and energy security.
The draft declaration circulated among member nations notably left the "geopolitical situation" paragraph vacant, reflecting the ongoing divisions surrounding the Ukraine conflict. However, it indicated consensus on 75 other paragraphs, encompassing subjects such as cryptocurrencies and reforms within multilateral development banks.
Previously consisting of 19 countries and the European Union, the G20 collectively represents approximately 85% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), more than 75% of global trade, and roughly two-thirds of the world's population. The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member underscores the group's commitment to achieving a more inclusive and equitable global economic order.
This momentous development at the New Delhi summit demonstrates the G20's recognition of the African continent's importance on the world stage and its aspiration to foster greater cooperation between nations from different regions and backgrounds.
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