In an announcement made during the inauguration of a leaders' summit in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the African Union would be granted permanent membership in the Group of 20 (G20), a significant move aimed at strengthening global cooperation and inclusivity, CNN reported.
Modi, who is hosting the summit for the world's wealthiest nations, invited the chair of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, to assume a permanent membership seat within the G20. The decision was met with applause from other world leaders in attendance.
During his opening speech, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the urgency of addressing pressing global issues, including the economic challenges faced by the world and the climate crisis that demands immediate action. He stressed the importance of building trust and reliance among nations, overcoming divisions, and finding solutions to a wide range of challenges, from geopolitics to cybersecurity.
Modi, who currently holds the presidency of the G20, stated,
"Today, as the president of G20, India calls upon the world to come together to transform the global trust deficit into one of trust and reliance."
The African Union, a continental body comprising 55 member states across the African continent, has historically been an invited guest at G20 gatherings, alongside other major global organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. However, the decision to grant the African Union permanent membership elevates its status, similar to that of the European Union, and potentially transforms the G20 into the G21.
This move grants the African bloc a front-row seat at one of the world's most powerful global governance bodies, allowing it to participate in shaping global economic policies and decisions.
Prime Minister Modi's push to include the African Union in the G20 aligns with his broader goal of promoting India's leadership among emerging and developing nations, collectively referred to as the Global South. He seeks increased cooperation between these nations and wealthier countries to secure essential financial support and cooperation.
Modi's commitment to this vision was clear as he stated,
"When we say we see the world as a family, we truly mean it. Africa is a top priority for us even within the G20. One of the first things we did during our G20 Presidency was to hold the Voice of the Global South summit, which had enthusiastic participation from Africa."
The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member in the G20 underscores India's dedication to fostering a more inclusive and collaborative global environment, where the voices and perspectives of developing regions are duly acknowledged and integrated into global decision-making processes.
Earlier Daryo reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is set to suggest a modification to the country's official name during a special parliamentary session from September 18 to 22.
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