The G20 Summit was held in India on September 9-10, 2023. Where did we make progress? Where does the global community urgently need to step up?
Here are the top five takeaways from our experts:
- Global South on the Global Stage
India made its mark by formally inviting the African Union to the G20, a measure already supported by many nations, including Germany. This is an important step in creating a more inclusive G20. It provides a stronger voice to the continent, which was previously only represented at the G20 by South Africa.
- Next stop: Brazil.
The Global South presidencies will continue when Brazil takes the helm for 2024, to be followed by South Africa in 2025. With these presidencies, we expect questions relevant to the Global South nations to become front and center on the global agenda. Furthermore, expect between the Global North and South to increase.
- Climate: A mixed verdict
In an alarming development, the Summit failed to commit to phasing out all fossil fuels. This represents a huge disconnect between what the G20 has agreed upon for climate action and what the latest IPCC report has called for in an attempt to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Nonetheless, the Summit did agree on a commitment to triple the renewable energy capacity by 2030, which represents an important step in the right direction.
What this means for COP28: It is urgent that we see strong global commitments at COP28 in line with clear recommendations from the scientific community. The bottom line: Delaying action will only increase the human, environmental, and financial toll of climate change.
- On Multilateralism: Summit makes progress in reforming global cooperation for the twenty-first century
We welcome the G20’s call for a reinvigorated and reformed multilateral system to tackle contemporary and interconnected challenges, including an international system for climate and development finance that is effective and fit for purpose.
- Summit helps tackle global challenges
In light of multiple ongoing crises worldwide, we see progress made in the G20’s support of the upcoming #SDG Summit, the United Nations Summit of the Future, and other relevant meetings intended to ramp up SDG implementation.
To learn more: Read the entire Leaders’ Declaration here.
Explore research by our experts on Multilateralism and the Global Goals addressed to the G20, here:
📎”Toward a New Age of Multilateralism”: https://www.global-solutions-initiative.org/policy_brief/toward-a-new-age-of-multilateralism/
🖇️ “Integrated Approach for Well-Being, Environmental Sustainability, and Just Transition”: https://www.global-solutions-initiative.org/policy_brief/integrated-approach-for-well-being-environmental-sustainability-and-just-transition/