Concerns of Global South take centre stage in G20 Summit

Inside the newly-built Bharat Mandapam, with the statue of the Dancing Shiva bearing sacred witness, history was made on a summer morning in New Delhi as the leaders of the world’s richest nations decided to admit the 55-nation African Union into their fold

- MANISH CHAND

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited AU Chair Comorian President Azali Assoumani to occupy his seat at the G20 high table, there was loud applause inside not only Bharat Mandapam—the majestic setting for the New Delhi summit but also across capitals in African countries and the developing world.

ABOUT AFRICA

The formal inclusion of the AU as the 21st permanent member of the G20 has made the grouping more representative and future-ready, setting the tone for an ambitious and transformational New Delhi Declaration that was unveiled later in the day. The Declaration, which was reached after months of intense negotiations and burning of much midnight oil by Sherpas, was formally adopted at the summit, with PM Modi bringing down the gavel on table.

In the end, all that relent less hard work and resolve paid off as the leaders of all G20 countries displayed a rare show of team spirit and solidarity as they signed off on the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, including the paragraphs on the Ukraine war, which proved to be the most contentious issue that, if not resolved in time, would have wrecked the Delhi summit.

“I have received good news. Due to the hard work of our team, consensus has been built on New Delhi G20 Leaders’ Summit Declaration. My proposal is to adopt this leadership declaration. I announce to adopt this declaration. On this occasion, I congratulate my Sherpa, ministers, who worked hard for it and made it possible,” PM Modi said. “It is my proposal that this G20 declaration be adopted,” the Prime Minister said. The declaration adopted with G20 leaders thumping their desks.