The G20, the gathering of the world’s 20 significant economies, has gone through a historic change by inviting the African Union (AU) as its 21st part. This was reported by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hosted the 18th G20 summit in Delhi on September 9-10, 2023. The inclusion of the AU, which represents 55 African countries, reflects the developing significance of Africa in the global landscape and the requirement for a more inclusive and representative platform for global administration.
The theme of the summit was “Unity and Trust”, which PM Modi emphasized in his initial address as the way to defeating the challenges of the 21st hundred years. He said that the world needs a human-driven approach that shifts from a Gross domestic product driven view and restores trust across the globe. He also drew a lined up with the successful battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, which showed how nations can join to overcome a shared adversary.
The AU’s membership in the G20 was proposed by PM Modi in June 2023, when he kept in touch with the G20 leaders and encouraged them to consider this drive. He contended that the AU’s inclusion would make the G20 more representative of the total populace and diversity, and would also improve the collaboration between the G20 and Africa on various issues such as development, exchange, climate change, health, security and peace.
The proposal was invited by the AU and its chairperson, Azali Assoumani, who is also the president of Comoros. He said thanks to PM Modi for his visionary leadership and expressed his appreciation to the G20 leaders for tolerating the AU as a part. He said that this was a historic second for Africa and an acknowledgment of its true capacity and aspirations. He also said that the AU would add to the G20’s agenda and work with other members to address the normal challenges confronting mankind.
The G20 summit witnessed several discussions and outcomes on various topics such as economic recovery, infrastructure, digitalization, health, education, women empowerment, terrorism, climate change and energy. The summit also saw the support of several compelling industrialists, who shared their views and suggestions on the most proficient method to boost development and advancement. The summit closed with a joint declaration that reaffirmed the responsibility of the G21 members to cooperate for a more prosperous, resilient and sustainable future for all.
The G21 summit was hailed as a success by numerous observers and analysts, who praised India’s role in hosting and driving this prestigious discussion. They said that India had shown its global leadership and diplomatic skills by transforming the G20 into a more inclusive and relevant platform. They also said that India had strengthened its ties with Africa and other regions, and had improved its picture as a responsible and reliable partner for global peace and development.
