Africa in G-20, Global South and the Environmental Matrix

Abstract

The implications of African integration into the G-20 and its positioning in the Global South for global environmental governance are significant. This paper focuses on sustainable development discourses within the G-20, in particular, whether Africa's unique set of challenges (socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities, rapid demographic change) shapes its role differently. Presuming Africa welcomes human rights, the rule of law, and transparency, then its participation in the G-20 may offer it opportunities to push an environmental agenda including such urgent issues as climate change and public goods like biodiversity protection and resource depletion that without exception hit Africa harder than other regions. As a part of the G-20, Africa is empowered to demand and advance sustainable development pathways that respond to its imperatives while also addressing world environmental needs. Moreover, the study outlines the interface of Africa's involvement in the G20 with larger geopolitical dynamics of cooperation between North and South and South-South. Although Africa's inclusion in the G20 again unpacks the potential for multilateral action, the capacity of Africa to genuinely influence global environmental policy processes remains tenuous, reflecting an ongoing bias to power and representation. The analysis highlights the importance of inclusive governance mechanisms that represent the interests of the regions of Africa and supports equitable involvement in the development of global sustainability norms