By Haruna Gimba with agency report
The United Nations has lauded the adoption of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration to admit the Africa Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20.
The African Union, a continental body of 55 member states, now has the same status as the European Union – the only regional bloc with a full membership. Its previous designation was “invited international organisation.”
Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said the UN also welcomed the declaration’s language about accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This is a reflection of Africa’s growing influence and importance on the global stage.
“When much of the existing international multilateral architecture was built, most of Africa was still colonised and did not have an opportunity to have their voices heard.
“This is another step towards correcting that imbalance,” he said.
He described the declaration as an example of effective leadership at a time of great divisions in the world.
The G20 summit ended on Sunday with the adaptation of declaration, which covers issues ranging from climate change and green growth to gender equality and countering terrorism.
“We’re especially happy to read about the commitments there, and how we must all re-energise and re-invest in the goals if we are going to come even close to achieving them by their target date of 2030,” he said.
Dujarric said the adoption of the declaration by consensus after lengthy negotiations – especially in an era of global polarisation – was a tribute to the efforts of India, which currently holds the G20 presidency.
“It also reflects India’s role as a leader of the Global South and developing countries.
This highlights India’s capabilities as a bridge-builder, politically and geographically,” he said.
Guterres had arrived in New Delhi with what he described as a “simple but urgent appeal” to G20 leaders to come together to solve humanity’s biggest challenges.
He stressed that global leadership was especially necessary on climate action and sustainable development.
Guterres addressed the summit session dedicated to climate and environmental issues, urging leaders to demonstrate greater ambition on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting climate justice.
G20 members presently account for 80 per cent of the world’s emissions.
Meanwhile, India formally handed over the G20 presidency to Brazil at the closing ceremony of the annual summit of the grouping that was held in New Delhi on Sunday.
India Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, completed the transition by handing over the ceremonial gavel of the presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
India has had the presidency of the G20 since December 1, 2022 when it took over from Indonesia, and will continue to hold the position until November 30.
During the two-day summit, the bloc adopted a consensus declaration that made commitments on several issues, including food and energy security, climate change and global debt vulnerabilities.
