African Union Officially Joins G20 Summit

During his opening speech at this year's G20 summit hosted in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic announcement.

He stated, "With everyone's agreement, I request that the African Union take its place as a permanent member of the G20."

The African Union, established in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, comprises 55 member states (including six with suspended memberships) and boasts a total GDP of three trillion dollars.

Until now, the continent was represented in the G20 by a single country, South Africa.

The African Union's inclusion in the group represents a significant diplomatic victory for Modi, who is expected to run for re-election in the upcoming national elections.

India, presiding over this year's G20, has demonstrated its commitment to being the advocate for the "needs of southern nations" in a world marked by divisions.

In his opening speech, Modi remarked that the world is suffering from a profound crisis of trust, adding that wars have deepened this lack of trust. “Just as we were able to overcome COVID, we can also overcome this crisis of mutual trust,” he continued.