The African Union was made a permanent member of the world’s richest and most powerful countries, G20, in New Delhi, on Saturday (September 9). The move will allow the continent to make “its effective contribution” in helping the world meet global challenges, said the AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat.&nbsp;

<h2>AU joins G20</h2>

At its full strength, the AU has 55 members and accounts for a GDP of $3 trillion with some 1.4 billion people. However, six military-ruled nations are currently suspended. Its previous designation at the summit was “invited international organisation”.&nbsp;

G20 previously comprised 19 countries and the European Union which account for 85 per cent of the global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-modi-helms-expansion-of-g20-with-african-union-as-permanent-member-633985">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi,</a> invited the AU, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member. This comes after the move was first proposed by the Indian PM back in June.&nbsp;

He later took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and said, “Honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 Family. This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South.”

African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat also took to X and said, “I welcome the African Union’s entry into the G20 as full member. This membership, for which we have long been advocating, will provide a propitious framework for amplifying advocacy in favor of the Continent and its effective contribution to meeting global challenges.”&nbsp;

<h2>South Africa</h2>

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took to X and said, “We are delighted that the G20 has accepted the African Union as a member of the G20. Global reconstruction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, sustainable societies.”&nbsp;

He added, “Developing economies are bearing the brunt of climate change, despite carrying the least responsibility for this crisis…South Africa calls for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.”&nbsp;

<h2>Nigeria</h2>

“As a continent, we look forward to further advancing our aspirations on the global stage using the G20 platform,” said Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is at the summit, on X.&nbsp;

<h2>Kenya&nbsp;</h2>

Kenyan President William Ruto said that AU’s entry into the G20 will “give African interests and perspectives voice and visibility in this important body”. He added, “With Africa poised to grow in the coming years, a seat will allow it to shape the decisions of G20 to ensure the continent’s interests are advanced.”&nbsp;

<h2>European Union&nbsp;</h2>

EU President Ursula von der Leyen, along similar lines, stressed the need for technology and finance to address climate change and its effects in the region. Welcoming AU’s inclusion in the G20 she said, “As we address issues that concern African profoundly, it is a pleasure to welcome the African Union as a new member of the G20.”&nbsp;

G20 countries account for 80 per cent of greenhouse gases as opposed to the less than four per cent emissions by Africa but “it is among the most affected by climate change,” said the EU president.&nbsp;

“The EU and Africa are partnering to address the continent’s priorities,” said von der Leyen, on X. She listed “ensuring food security, securing the means to fight climate change, and attracting investments,” as the priorities and said, “The G20 has much to win from a strong African voice.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The African Union was made a permanent member of the world’s richest and most powerful countries, G20, in New Delhi, on Saturday (September 9). The move will allow the continent to make “its effective contribution” in helping the world meet global challenges, said the AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat.

The African Union was made a permanent member of the world’s richest and most powerful countries, G20, in New Delhi, on Saturday (September 9). The move will allow the continent to make “its effective contribution” in helping the world meet global challenges, said the AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat. AU joins G20 At its full strength, the AU has 55 members and accounts for a GDP of $3 trillion with some 1.4 billion people. However, six military-ruled nations are currently suspended. Its previous designation at the summit was “invited international organisation”. G20 previously comprised 19 countries and the European Union which account for 85 per cent of the global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, invited the AU, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member. This comes after the move was first proposed by the Indian PM back in June. He later took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and said, “Honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 Family. This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South.” African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat also took to X and said, “I welcome the African Union’s entry into the G20 as full member. This membership, for which we have long been advocating, will provide a propitious framework for amplifying advocacy in favor of the Continent and its effective contribution to meeting global challenges.” South Africa South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took to X and said, “We are delighted that the G20 has accepted the African Union as a member of the G20. Global reconstruction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, sustainable societies.” He added, “Developing economies are bearing the brunt of climate change, despite carrying the least responsibility for this crisis…South Africa calls for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.” Nigeria “As a continent, we look forward to further advancing our aspirations on the global stage using the G20 platform,” said Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is at the summit, on X. Kenya Kenyan President William Ruto said that AU’s entry into the G20 will “give African interests and perspectives voice and visibility in this important body”. He added, “With Africa poised to grow in the coming years, a seat will allow it to shape the decisions of G20 to ensure the continent’s interests are advanced.” European Union EU President Ursula von der Leyen, along similar lines, stressed the need for technology and finance to address climate change and its effects in the region. Welcoming AU’s inclusion in the G20 she said, “As we address issues that concern African profoundly, it is a pleasure to welcome the African Union as a new member of the G20.” G20 countries account for 80 per cent of greenhouse gases as opposed to the less than four per cent emissions by Africa but “it is among the most affected by climate change,” said the EU president. “The EU and Africa are partnering to address the continent’s priorities,” said von der Leyen, on X. She listed “ensuring food security, securing the means to fight climate change, and attracting investments,” as the priorities and said, “The G20 has much to win from a strong African voice.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

G20 Summit: Nations welcome African Union as permanent member of grouping

China has called for constructive reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying there should be representation for developing countries, especially the small and medium countries, but remained mum on India's inclusion at the high table of the permanent members.

China has called for constructive reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying there should be representation for developing countries, especially the small and medium countries, but remained mum on India's inclusion at the high table of the permanent members. Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee recently met Tareq MAM Albanai and Alexander Marschik, the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on UNSC reforms and discussed the issue. “The reform of the Security Council should uphold fairness and justice, increase the representation and voice of developing countries, allowing more small and medium-sized countries to have more opportunities to participate in the decision-making of the council," said the Chinese diplomat. ALSO READ | India at UNSC: How long it has to wait for the permanent seat? Notably, China is one of the five permanent members alongside France, Russia, the UK and the US of the 15-member UNSC. The other 10 members are elected as non-permanent members for two-year terms and do not have veto powers. The UNSC has been criticised for being a closed grouping, often out of touch with the ground reality and using the platform to serve selfish interests. For several years, India has been at the forefront, demanding reforms to the Security Council and a place at the table. New Delhi's rotating non-permanent membership in the council ended on December 31, 2022, and thus it becomes all the more important that India is included. UNSC's credibility at stake Prime Minister Narendra Modi has questioned the relevance of the UNSC by stating, “The credibility and effectiveness of global institutions is being questioned. The reason for this is that there has been no change in these institutions despite the passage of time. These institutions reflect the mindset and realities of the world 75 years ago." India with the world's largest population and tag of the fastest-growing economy is rightly deserving of a place in the council, especially if the body wants to restore its credibility, according to experts. Last year, France and UK reaffirmed their support for India as a permanent member during the annual debate on UNSC reforms. WATCH | The never-changing UNSC: Why no permanent UNSC seat for India? | World News | WION × “France endorses the candidacy of Germany, Brazil, India and Japan as permanent members for permanent seats,” said Nathalie Broadhurst Estival, France's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN. Meanwhile, the UK’s Ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward, also extended her country’s support for the membership bid of the G4 countries (India, Germany, Japan and Brazil) as well as permanent African representation on the Council. ALSO READ | France, UK back India's bid for a permanent seat on UN Security Council However, despite batting for reforms, China has been blocking negotiations on UNSC expansion. The global economy and population needle is shifting towards the Indo-Pacific and if an inadequate Asian representation and no African representation remains, UNSC might be writing itself into irrelevancy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China bats for UNSC reforms but remains mum on India's inclusion

In a joint statement, five nuclear powers, namely Russia, Britain, China, the United States and France, are of the view that a further spread of nuclear arms and a nuclear war should be avoided. The statement published by the Kremlin said on Monday. &nbsp;

These five nations, who are the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, look to avoid war between the nuclear states and reduce strategic risks. They also want to work with all nations to create an atmosphere of security. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-third-news-company-shutters-amid-chinese-crackdown-on-dissent-441939" hreflang="en">Hong Kong: Third news company shutters amid Chinese crackdown on dissent</a>

The statement said, “We affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. As nuclear use would have far-reaching consequences, we also affirm that nuclear weapons — for as long as they continue to exist — should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression, and prevent war." &nbsp;

This development comes as bilateral ties between the United States and Moscow have deteriorated to the lowest point since the end of the Cold War. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-defense-academy-hit-by-cyber-attack-significant-damage-caused-441960" hreflang="en">UK’s Defense Academy hit by cyber attack; 'significant' damage caused</a>

Not just this, the relations between Washington and China are also at a new low. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said the statement could trigger rise in mutual trust and "replace competition among major powers with coordination and cooperation." &nbsp;

Zhaoxu added that China has a "no first use" policy on nuclear weapons, Xinhua reported. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a joint statement, five nuclear powers, namely Russia, Britain, China, the United States and France, are of the view that a further spread of nuclear arms and a nuclear war should be avoided.

In a joint statement, five nuclear powers, namely Russia, Britain, China, the United States and France, are of the view that a further spread of nuclear arms and a nuclear war should be avoided. The statement published by the Kremlin said on Monday. These five nations, who are the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, look to avoid war between the nuclear states and reduce strategic risks. They also want to work with all nations to create an atmosphere of security. Also Read | Hong Kong: Third news company shutters amid Chinese crackdown on dissent The statement said, “We affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. As nuclear use would have far-reaching consequences, we also affirm that nuclear weapons — for as long as they continue to exist — should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression, and prevent war." This development comes as bilateral ties between the United States and Moscow have deteriorated to the lowest point since the end of the Cold War. Also Read: UK’s Defense Academy hit by cyber attack; 'significant' damage caused Not just this, the relations between Washington and China are also at a new low. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said the statement could trigger rise in mutual trust and "replace competition among major powers with coordination and cooperation." Zhaoxu added that China has a "no first use" policy on nuclear weapons, Xinhua reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Five most powerful countries of the world vow to avoid nuke war

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