For far too long, African countries and their continent institutions had been neglected by the world’s institutions. No African country or institution has a permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. However, for the first time, Africa gained permanent membership in a world institutional organization that would echo Africa’s plans for the future.
The African Union (AU) officially joined the G20 as a permanent member on September 9, 2023, at the G20 summit in New Delhi, India. The AU is a continental body of 55 member states, making it the second regional bloc to become a full member of the G20, after the European Union.
The move was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the current chair of the G20. Modi said that the AU's membership would "strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South.
The G20, or Group of Twenty, is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 sovereign countries and the European Union (EU). It works to address major issues related to the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. The G20 has no formal legal status, but it has become an important forum for coordinating global economic policy. The group has made progress on a number of issues, including financial regulation, climate change, and development. However, the G20 has also been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability.
The AU's membership is seen as a recognition of Africa's growing economic importance. The continent is home to the world's second-fastest growing economy, and its population is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050.
The AU’s membership is also seen as a way to give Africa a greater voice in global decision-making. The continent has been calling for more representation in international institutions, such as the United Nations Security Council.
The AU’s permanent membership will help promote economic growth and development in Africa. Indeed, the G20 is a powerful forum for promoting economic growth and development. The AU’s membership will give Africa a greater say in the G20’s agenda, and it will help to ensure that the forum’s policies are supportive of Africa’s development goals.
And lastly, the AU’s permanent membership will help address the challenges facing Africa. The G20 can play a role in addressing the challenges facing Africa, such as poverty, climate change, and conflict. The AU’s membership will give Africa a greater voice in the G20’s discussions of these issues, and it will help to ensure that the forum’s policies are responsive to Africa’s needs.
The AU's membership in the G20 is a significant development. It is a sign of Africa's growing economic and political power, and it is likely to have a major impact on global governance.
The AU's membership in the G20 is a historic moment for Africa. It is a recognition of Africa's growing importance in the global economy and a step towards a more inclusive and equitable global governance.
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