NEW DELHI (AP) — In a major boost to his efforts to amplify the Global South’s voice, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the African Union (AU) has been granted permanent member status in the Group of 20 (G20) top world economies at this year’s annual summit. The move was a strong step towards giving more prominence to developing nations.
During his opening speech, Modi highlighted the challenges stemming from the global economy, the division between the north and the south, and the disparity between the east and the west. He emphasized the need for “concrete solutions” to these issues as well as to global challenges such as terrorism, cyber security, health, and water security.
Modi, who championed the use of the ancient Sanskrit name “Bharat” for his country at the G20, called for unity in overcoming the trust deficit caused by the ongoing war and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he did not mention any specific countries involved in these conflicts.
While the absence of key players like Russia and China at the summit threatened to hinder consensus on critical issues, the inclusion of the AU as a permanent member received widespread support. This decision made the AU the second regional bloc to attain permanent membership in the G20 after the European Union.
The G20 summit in New Delhi focused on several crucial topics for developing nations, including alternative fuels, resource efficiency, food security, and the development of digital public infrastructure. There was also an emphasis on reforming development banks to make funds more accessible for lower- and middle-income countries in their efforts to combat climate change.
As the summit commenced, a significant number of G20 leaders were absent. Nonetheless, discussions were held on pressing matters, such as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The war was said to have far-reaching consequences, affecting food security not just in Ukraine but also worldwide. Leaders like British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed their commitment to addressing these challenges and marshaling international resources to counteract the impact on global food supplies.
The summit also saw a protest by Tibetan exiles, who condemned China’s participation in the event and called for discussions on Sino-Tibetan relations. In addition, Modi met with U.S. President Joe Biden before the formal start of the summit, with reports indicating a strong rapport between the two leaders.
In conclusion, the G20 summit aimed to address critical global issues, bridge gaps between nations, and find collaborative solutions. The inclusion of the AU as a permanent member and the focus on developing nations’ needs underscored Modi’s commitment to giving voice to the Global South. Despite the absence of key players and the challenges posed by conflicts and international disunity, the summit sought to create a platform for meaningful discussions and progress.
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