Why in Broadcast?

• African Union became the 21st member of the G20 group during New Delhi summit. The inclusion of African Union would bring the issues & priorities of Global South on the high table.

About African Union

• The African Union (AU) was officially launched in July 2002 in Durban, South Africa. It was the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was initially established in 1963.

Vision

• An Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

Aim

• Achieve greater unity and solidarity between African countries and their people.
• Defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States.
• Accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent.
• Promote and defend African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples.
• Encourage international cooperation.
• Promote peace, security, and stability on the continent.
• Promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance.
• Promote sustainable development at the economic, social and cultural levels as well as the integration of African economies.
• Promote cooperation in all fields of human activity to raise the living standards of African peoples.
• Advance the development of the continent by promoting research in all fields, in particular in science and technology.
• Ensure the effective participation of women in decision-making, particularly in the political, economic and socio-cultural areas.

AU’s Pursuit and India’s Response

• The AU formally approached India in 2022 to seek permanent membership in the G20.
• In February 2023, a resolution was passed to pursue this goal during the AU summit.
• At the G20 Summit in Bali, India took a bold step by thoroughly endorsing the African aspiration.
• This gesture came during the 60th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity, highlighting India’s consistent support for African representation.

Impact of the Inclusion

• This inclusive approach promises to reshape the G20 by placing developmental priorities at the forefront.
• It calls upon G7 and China to fulfill their commitments to the Global South.
• India’s presidency has set a precedent for embracing diversity and cooperation, embodied in the Swahili term “Harambee” - a spirit of developmental cooperation in action.