G-20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg
The G-20 leaders’ summit, held for the first time in an African country, Johannesburg, was notable for several reasons, both positive and negative. This summit marked a significant inclusion as the African Union became a member during India's G20 Presidency in 2023.
Key Themes and Discussions
- The spirit of the “Global South” was evident in the discussions, addressing global issues like conflicts, inequality, and economic uncertainty.
- There was a call for a “just, comprehensive, and lasting peace” in regions such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and Ukraine, citing the UN charter.
India’s Proposed Initiatives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed six initiatives aimed at reconsidering global development parameters:
- Traditional Knowledge Repository
- G20-Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative: Proposal to train a million people across Africa.
- Global Healthcare Response Team
- Initiative on Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus
- Open Satellite Data Partnership for sharing agricultural, fishing, and disaster-related information.
- G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative
Challenges and Criticisms
- The Indian government expressed disappointment over the brief condemnation of terrorism, especially in light of the New Delhi declaration of 2023.
- The summit was notable for the absence of U.S. President Donald Trump, with the U.S. government boycotting the event over alleged discrimination issues.
- This decision raised concerns about the U.S.’s commitment to the G-20, despite it preparing to assume the presidency in 2026.
Conclusion
The absence of the leader of the largest economy contradicted the hopes for a more democratic world order. The concept of ‘Ubuntu’ or “I am because we are,” highlighted in the declaration, serves as a reminder of the collaborative spirit required to strengthen the G-20's role globally.
