In a landmark development at the G20 Summit 2023 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the African Union (AU) has secured its place as a permanent member of the G20, marking a significant step towards global inclusivity and cooperation.
The African Union, comprising 55 nations, has now joined the G20 as a full-fledged member, making it the second-largest group of nations within the G20, following closely behind the European Union. This move reflects the growing recognition of the importance of African nations on the world stage and their contribution to global economic and political discussions.
The announcement was made during the opening day of the G20 Summit, where leaders from the world’s major economies gather to address pressing global issues. In a gesture of solidarity and unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm embrace to the African Union delegate upon their arrival at Bharat Mandapam earlier in the day.
The proposal for the African Union’s admission to the G20 was put forth by Prime Minister Modi himself and received an overwhelmingly positive response from the participating nations. G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, who played a key role in the negotiations, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the move would strengthen the G20’s ability to address global challenges comprehensively.
#WATCH | G 20 in India | President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Azali Assoumani takes his seat as the Union becomes a permanent member of the G20. pic.twitter.com/Sm25SD80n9
— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2023
Prime Minister Modi, in his opening remarks at the summit, emphasized the significance of the African Union’s inclusion in the G20. He stated, “Today marks a historic moment where we welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. It is a testament to the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines this forum. Now is the time for us all to move together, hand in hand, to tackle the pressing issues of our times.”
The decision to include the African Union as a permanent member reflects a broader commitment to diversity and inclusivity in global governance. It recognizes the economic and political influence of African nations and aims to give them a more prominent voice in shaping international policies.
As the G20 Summit progresses, leaders from the African Union will have the opportunity to contribute to discussions on a wide range of topics, from climate change and sustainable development to economic growth and global health.
The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 is expected to bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the table, ultimately strengthening the G20’s ability to address global challenges and promote cooperation on a global scale.
The G20 Summit 2023 is poised to be a pivotal moment in international diplomacy, and the admission of the African Union as a permanent member reaffirms the commitment of the participating nations to work together for a more prosperous and harmonious world.
