The G20 summit proved that the largest economies in the world could agree on lots of mundane things. Essentially nothing of consequence was accomplished.
Leaders of the world’s 20 big economies ended a summit in the Indian capital on Sunday overcoming deep divisions over the war in Ukraine to produce a consensus document and move forward on issues such overhauling institutions like the World Bank.
They also formally admitted the African Union to the bloc to make the grouping more representative.
SOFTER LANGUAGE ON UKRAINE WAR
G20 nations agreed that states cannot grab territory by force and highlighted the suffering of the people of Ukraine, but avoided direct criticism of Russia for the war. The declaration was seen as an apparent softening from the position that the G20 took last year when it condemned Russia for the war and demanded that it withdraw from Ukraine.
AFRICAN UNION INSIDE THE CLUB
The 55-member African Union was formally made permanent member of the G20, on par with the European Union, in order to make the grouping more representative. Until now only South Africa was a member of the G20. The entry of the AU would provide greater voice to the Global South within the G20 where the G7 countries have long played a dominant role.
U.S., SAUDI, INDIA JOIN HANDS FOR TRANSPORT CORRIDOR
Leaders of the United States, India and Saudi Arabia among others announced plans to set up rail and ports links between the Middle East and South Asia and eventually to Europe which U.S. President Joe Biden said was a “real big deal.”
INCREMENTAL PROGRESS ON CLIMATE CHANGE
The G20 leaders agreed to pursue tripling renewable energy capacity globally by 2030 and accepted the need to phase-down unabated coal power, but stopped short of setting major climate goals.
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