African Union becomes the 21st member of 'G20' organization

In a historic move that has significant implications for global diplomacy and cooperation, the African Union has officially become the 21st member of the G-20 organization. This landmark development took place on the first day of the 18th G-20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9, 2023, where G-20 member countries unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration. Let's delve into the details of this momentous event and its potential ramifications.

African Union becomes the 21st member of 'G20' organization

The New Delhi Declaration

The New Delhi Declaration, a comprehensive document with 83 articles, took center stage at the G-20 Summit. Among its key highlights were eight articles dedicated to addressing the Ukraine war and its far-reaching economic impact. Unlike previous summits, where the Ukrainian conflict received minimal attention, the Delhi Declaration expanded on this issue, demonstrating a broader engagement with the crisis.

The declaration emphasized the human suffering and negative spillover effects of the war in Ukraine on global food and energy security, supply chains, macro-financial stability, inflation, and development. It underscored the need for strengthening multilateral development banks, regulating cryptocurrencies, and utilizing digital public infrastructure for financial inclusion. Additionally, it proposed a rapid debt crisis plan for vulnerable countries and emphasized the importance of increasing medical supplies to address health emergencies.

On the critical issue of climate change, the declaration marked a significant shift by advocating for a "quantum jump" from billions of dollars to trillions of dollars in climate financing, with a specific focus on the use of US dollars. Most notably, the declaration firmly stated that the use or threat of the use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable, echoing the sentiments expressed during the Bali announcement.

The African Union's Permanent Membership

One of the standout moments of the 18th G-20 Summit was the induction of the African Union as a permanent member of the G-20 organization. This move highlights the growing importance of regional blocs in global governance and diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a formal invitation to Azali Asomani, President of Comoros and Head of the African Union, to take up the seat as a permanent member.

The African Union, a continental body comprising 55 member states, was established in 1963 by independent African states. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in fostering cooperation and integration among African nations. Notably, in 2002, the African Union replaced the Organization of African Unity, with a renewed focus on accelerating economic integration across the continent.

Implications and India's Outreach

India's role in the inclusion of the African Union into the G-20 reflects its commitment to enhancing its influence in global trade, energy transition, and climate diplomacy. By inviting the African Union to join the G-20, India aims to strengthen its position as the voice of the global South in these critical areas. This move aligns with India's ongoing efforts to foster stronger ties with African countries.

Prime Minister Modi also proposed the organization of a virtual session of the G-20 group in late November to review the issues decided at the summit. This demonstrates India's commitment to ensuring that the G-20 remains a dynamic and responsive forum for addressing global challenges.

Conclusion

The inclusion of the African Union as the 21st member of the G-20 organization marks a significant milestone in global diplomacy. It reflects the changing dynamics of international relations, with regional blocs gaining prominence on the global stage. The New Delhi Declaration, with its comprehensive approach to critical global issues, underscores the need for concerted efforts to address challenges ranging from the Ukraine crisis to climate change.

As the G-20 moves forward with the African Union as a permanent member, the world will be watching closely to see how this development shapes the future of international cooperation and diplomacy.

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FAQs

1. Why is the inclusion of the African Union in the G-20 significant?

   The inclusion of the African Union in the G-20 is significant because it highlights the growing importance of regional blocs in global diplomacy and governance. It also reflects India's efforts to strengthen its influence in global trade, energy transition, and climate diplomacy.

2. What is the New Delhi Declaration, and what are its key components?

   The New Delhi Declaration is a comprehensive document with 83 articles adopted at the 18th G-20 Summit. It addresses a wide range of global issues, including the Ukraine war, climate change, financial inclusion, and health emergencies. Its key components include measures to mitigate the economic impact of the Ukraine conflict and a focus on increasing climate financing.

3. How does the African Union differ from the Organization of African Unity?

   The African Union (AU) succeeded the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 2002. While the OAU primarily focused on political liberation and unity among African nations, the AU has a broader mandate, including economic integration and development across the African continent.

4. What is India's role in the G-20 Summit, and why is it proposing a virtual session in November?

   India played a pivotal role in the G-20 Summit by inviting the African Union to join as a permanent member. The proposal for a virtual session in November demonstrates India's commitment to ensuring that the G-20 remains responsive and effective in addressing global challenges.

5. What are the key takeaways from the New Delhi Declaration regarding climate change?

   The New Delhi Declaration calls for a significant increase in climate financing, shifting from billions to trillions of dollars. It emphasizes the use of US dollars for climate-related initiatives and underscores the need for a quantum jump in funding to combat climate change.