In a significant development, the African Union (AU) on Saturday secured its place as a permanent member within the Group of 20 largest economies (G20), a pivotal global alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his inaugural speech at the two-day G20 Summit, made the historic announcement, extending a warm welcome to the AU, consisting of 55 member nations, as the latest addition to this prestigious group.
Shortly following this momentous declaration, Azali Assoumani, the President of the Union of Comoros and the Chairperson of the AU, officially assumed a full-fledged position as a G20 member.
In an inclusive spirit, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's proposition for the African Union to gain permanent membership within the G20, emphasizing the concept of "sabka saath," which translates to "with everyone." He expressed his belief that everyone present agreed with this proposal, signifying consensus by striking the gavel thrice. He then extended a warm invitation to the AU President to take his seat as a permanent member, formally marking this historic accession.
"In keeping with the sentiment of sabka saath (with everyone), India had proposed that the African Union should be given permanent membership of the G20. I believe we all are in agreement on this proposal. With your agreement (he banged the gavel thrice)...," Modi said.
"Before we start our work, I invite the AU president as a permanent member to take his position," he added.
India has strategically positioned itself in recent years as a prominent advocate for the concerns, challenges, and aspirations of the Global South, particularly the African continent. Prime Minister Modi has played a pivotal role in championing the cause of the AU's G20 membership. In June, he penned a letter to G20 leaders, advocating for the AU's full membership, a proposal that was subsequently included in the draft communique for the summit during the third G20 Sherpas meeting held in Karnataka's Hampi in July.
The African Union is a formidable organization comprising 55 member states representing the countries of the African continent. Prime Minister Modi, in an exclusive interview earlier this month, affirmed Africa's status as a "top priority" for India and expressed the nation's commitment to including those who feel their voices are unheard in global affairs.
The G20, established in 1999 in response to various global economic crises, comprises countries that collectively account for approximately 85% of the world's GDP, more than 75% of global trade, and around two-thirds of the world's population.
In addition to the African Union's newfound membership, the G20 encompasses Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union (EU). This inclusive and influential group serves as a critical forum for addressing pressing global economic and geopolitical challenges.
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