African Union To Join G-20, Know All About Sherpa Track And African Union

The ongoing G-20 summit has already made its place as one of the important summit under G-20. As we all know G20 is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. European Union being the only regional organisation besides the other 19 countries. As per the Sherpa Dialogue which is held before the leaders of various countries meet under G20, a decision has been taken to include the African Union as a part of G20. This is the path-breaking  decision to give fair representation to the African Union in a major Intergovernmental Forum like G 20.

African Union to join G-20

As per available information, the African Union (AU) is set to join the G-20 as negotiators agreed on clearing its membership in Delhi. While it still unclear whether the G-20 will be renamed as the “G-21” after the induction of AU. This is seen by many in the diplomatic circle as a path-breaking initiative. Here in this article we have all the information on Sherpa In G20, African Union etc.

Who Are Sherpa

In international summit meetings like the G8 or G20, a sherpa is a personal envoy of a member nation’s leader. They play a crucial role in planning, negotiating, and implementing activities during the summit. Sherpas, often career diplomats or high-ranking officials, help leaders negotiate their positions, organize the agenda, seek political consensus, and participate in pre-summit meetings. Each member nation appoints a single sherpa for representation. The term “sherpa” originates from the Nepalese ethnic group known for guiding mountaineers in the Himalayas.

Sherpas play a crucial role in the G20 Summit. They proactively address conflicts on various issues well in advance of the summit. Toward the end of the process, they work alongside Finance Track representatives to prepare the Leaders’ “Declaration” or “Communique,” which is the summit’s final outcome.

The Sherpa track covers a wide range of topics through 14 working groups, including energy, trade, investment, development, employment, tourism, agriculture, digital economy, health, education, culture, environment, and anti-corruption. Additionally, India, during its presidency, introduced two new groups: the Disaster, Risk, and Resilience Group and the Startup20 Engagement Group. These groups contribute to the comprehensive discussions and outcomes of the summit.

Shri Amitabh Kant serves as the Sherpa for India in the G20 Summit, playing a pivotal role in representing India’s interests and perspectives during the summit’s proceedings.

African Union

Here is some essential details on the African Union.

• Formation: The African Union (AU) was established in response to the Sirte Declaration in Sirte, Libya, on 9 September 1999, which called for its creation.
• Founding Date: The AU was officially founded on 26 May 2001 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Launch: It was formally launched on 9 July 2002 in Durban, South Africa.
• Objective: The AU aimed to replace the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which had been established on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa by 32 signatory governments. The OAU was disbanded on 9 July 2002.
• Decision-Making Body: The most significant decisions within the AU are made by the Assembly of the African Union. This assembly holds semi-annual meetings, gathering the heads of state and government from its member states.
• Location: The AU’s secretariat, known as the African Union Commission, is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.