The African Union's (AU) accession to the Group of Twenty (G20) marked a turning point for the continent's representation in global governance, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia.
The AU was invited to join the G20 in September 2023. China was the first country to explicitly express its support for the AU's membership in the G20 -- consistent with its support for the AU in playing a greater role in global governance.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) aired on Friday, Youssouf said that the inclusion of the AU in the G20 is important in making sure Africa has a better representation in today's multilateral world.
"The G20 is a platform, So when decisions are made for Africa, we need to have our say in those decisions. So this platform helps us to voice our expectations and also to be vocal on the things that we don't understand that we need to see change, climate change, the decisions globally that is made on financial architecture, the decisions made on UN Security Council," he said.
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it's crucial for African countries to speak in unison, especially in global decision making, the AU chief said.
"Africa has 55 countries. You see it's a powerful leverage that we have there. So if we manage to speak as if we were one country, I think we will really make a big difference in the global decision making. So that's why we are working with China and very loyal partners, so that our voice counts and our also expectations be taken on board. And I think it's very important to understand that if you are not aware of your strength, then you cannot use it. So that's why we are saying we need to be everywhere where decisions are made globally and in particular when those decisions affect the African peoples and African continent," Youssouf said.
African Union entry into G20 boosts continent’s voice in global governance: AU chief
