G20 Faces Criticism for Exclusivity as South Africa Pushes for Reform
The G20, a key forum for global economic cooperation, is facing criticism for its limited representation. With only 19 countries and two regional bodies, it excludes the vast majority of the UN's 193 member states. As South Africa takes the chair in 2025, it has the opportunity to push for reform and establish an African G20 regional consultative group.
The G20's management structure, led by a troika of past, present, and incoming presidents, has been criticized for lacking accountability and transparency. Its informal status and exclusivity have hindered its ability to tackle major challenges, such as the global response to the COVID pandemic.
A potential solution lies in the governance model of the Financial Stability Board (FSB). The FSB's regional consultative groups include members from various regions, providing a more inclusive approach. By adopting a similar model, the G20 could offer a limited form of representation to all the world's states, empowering smaller members.
Established in the late 1990s in response to the East Asian financial crisis, the G20 was upgraded to summit level in 2009. However, its claim to be the premier forum for international economic cooperation is undermined by its insufficient representation.
South Africa, as the incoming chair of the G20 in 2025, is well positioned to promote this reform. By establishing an African G20 regional consultative group and adopting the FSB's governance model, the G20 could enhance its representation, accountability, and effectiveness in addressing global economic challenges.
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