The United Nations has commended the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration for admitting the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20, a move that has elevated the AU’s status from “invited international organization” to full membership, akin to the European Union. The declaration’s emphasis on accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was also welcomed by the UN.
Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, highlighted that this decision reflects Africa’s growing global influence and rectifies historical imbalances. He described it as an example of effective leadership amid global divisions.
The G20 summit concluded on Sunday with the adoption of the declaration, covering diverse issues such as climate change, green growth, gender equality, and counterterrorism. Dujarric expressed satisfaction with the commitments outlined in the declaration, particularly the need for renewed efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
He lauded India for its role in facilitating consensus amid global polarization, underscoring India’s leadership in the Global South and among developing nations.
António Guterres had urged G20 leaders to unite in addressing global challenges, with a focus on climate action and sustainable development. During the summit session on climate and environmental matters, he called for greater ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate justice, especially since G20 members account for 80% of global emissions.
At the summit’s closing ceremony, India formally handed over the G20 presidency to Brazil. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred the ceremonial gavel of the presidency to Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. India had held the G20 presidency since December 1, 2022, and will continue to do so until November 30.
Throughout the two-day summit, the G20 adopted a consensus declaration that included commitments on various issues, including food and energy security, climate change, and global debt vulnerabilities.
