G20 Turns G21 as African Union Becomes a Permanent Member
The G20, the forum for the world’s 20 largest economies, has become the G21 with the induction of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member. The decision was made at the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, on September 9, 2023.
The AU’s membership is seen as a major victory for India, which has been pushing for the AU’s inclusion in the G20 for several years. India believes that the AU’s membership will give a voice to the Global South and help to address the challenges facing developing countries.
The AU is a regional bloc of 55 countries in Africa. It was founded in 2002 with the goal of promoting peace, security, and development on the continent. The AU has been active in a number of areas, including conflict resolution, trade, and climate change.
The AU’s membership in the G20 is a significant step forward for the organization. It will give the AU a platform to advocate for the interests of African countries on the global stage. It will also help to increase the AU’s visibility and influence.
The decision to admit the AU to the G20 was not without its critics. Some countries, including China and Russia, argued that the AU was not ready for full membership. However, the majority of countries supported the decision, and it was ultimately approved by consensus.
The AU’s membership in the G20 is a positive development for the global community. It will help to ensure that the voices of African countries are heard in the decision-making process.
It will also help to address the challenges facing developing countries.
Quotes:
- “The AU’s membership in the G20 is a historic moment for Africa,” said AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat. “It is a recognition of the continent’s growing importance in the global economy.”
- “The AU’s membership in the G20 will give a voice to the Global South,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “It is a victory for the principle of multilateral-ism.”
- “The AU’s membership in the G20 is a positive development for the global community,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “It will help to ensure that the voices of African countries are heard in the decision-making process.”
Analysis:
The AU’s membership in the G20 is a significant step forward for the organization and for the global community. It will help to ensure that the voices of African countries are heard in the decision-making process and that the challenges facing developing countries are addressed. The decision is also a victory for multilateral-ism and a sign that the world is becoming more interconnected.
The AU’s membership in the G20 is not without its challenges. The AU is a diverse organization with a wide range of interests. It will be important for the AU to find common ground and to work effectively with other members of the G20. However, the AU’s membership is a positive development for the global community, and it is a sign that the world is becoming more inclusive.
