South Africa Aims to Boost G20 Inclusivity as 2025 Chair
South Africa, as the 2025 G20 chair, aims to enhance the group's inclusivity and effectiveness. The current G20, led by a troika of presidents, lacks a permanent secretariat and transparent communication channels with non-participating stakeholders.
Established in the late 1990s, the G20 was upgraded to summit level after the 2008-2009 financial crisis. Despite its claim as the premier forum for international economic cooperation, its representation is insufficient and lacks a mandate to act on behalf of all states. South Africa plans to address this by promoting the creation of a G20 regional consultative group, following the example of the Financial Stability Board's governance model.
The proposed group would bring together representatives from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe. This would allow the current G20 membership to continue while establishing a consultation process with regional neighbors. South Africa, having chaired the African Union, is well placed to promote this solution and establish an African G20 regional consultative group.
South Africa's 2025 G20 chairmanship presents an opportunity to improve the group's representation and accountability. By advocating for a G20 regional consultative group, South Africa can enhance the G20's ability to address major global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and better represent the global community.
