Commentary and Analysis

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Image: Unsplash, Rahul Mishra

The G20 should challenge the power dynamics in digital public infrastructure

Data plays a crucial role in T20 discussions at the G20, influencing online interaction and civic engagement. The G20 should use its influence to create a multi-stakeholder agenda for Digital Public Infrastructure design.

Image: Unsplash, Markus Spiske

Will the G20 listen to its own advisors? 4 urgent steps on climate change

The G20 must make sure that when power stations are closed down, new jobs are offered to workers and the pollution left behind is cleaned up.

Image: Unsplash, Igor Omilaev

Accelerating climate action and the just energy transition: The role of South Africa’s G20 presidency

South Africa’s G20 presidency presents a crucial opportunity to shape the just energy transition in the Global South, which bears the brunt of climate change despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate finance at a crossroads: Disparities in GCF support and thematic imbalances

The G20 is crucial for climate finance. By leveraging their resources, members can ensure that funding is accessible, predictable and fairly distributed.

Image: Unsplash, Alex Hudson

Translating T20 recommendations into G20 actions: The case of food security through sustainable food systems

The G20 created key institutions in response to the 2008–2009 food price crisis, and we must consider these as we face similar food price volatility today.

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Biogenic carbon: A new paradigm for economic growth and climate neutrality

Biogenic carbon is vital for transforming industries toward climate neutrality and supports developing countries in achieving sustainable economic growth.

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Building digital infrastructure through impact capital partnerships

By prioritising digital transformation in the G20 agenda, South Africa has the opportunity to redefine global partnerships by emphasising co-creation over charity. Africa offers a young, dynamic, and digitally-ready future.

Image: Unsplash, John Vid

A case against wealth taxes and suggestions for alternatives

South Africa and other Global South countries should prioritise economic freedom by establishing institutions that uphold the rule of law and promote private sector growth.

Image: Unsplash, Igor Omilaev

From digital dependence to digital sovereignty: South Africa’s G20 opportunity in the age of AI

As G20 president, South Africa can highlight the importance of digital sovereignty for ensuring dignity, economic justice, and resilience.

Unlocking e-commerce for MSMEs: A global digital adoption programme for inclusive growth

G20 policymakers should prioritise investing in digital capability rather than just another platform. By enhancing people's skills, the G20 can promote shared prosperity across all regions, not just the most connected ones.

Image: Unsplash, Google DeepMind

Synergies for sustainability: Fast-tracking SDG achievements with a green digital skills toolkit

The ‘green digital skills toolkit’ will equip individuals and sectors with the skills needed for the sustainable use of digital technologies as G20 countries navigate digital and climate transitions.

Image: Getty, Per-Anders Pettersson

End of a Cycle? South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the Future of Global Cooperation

South Africa closes the first cycle of G20 presidencies with a call to refocus on development, equality, and cooperation amid rising fragmentation in the global order.

Global South at a crossroads: Weak healthcare systems slow progress on the SDGs and hurt economic growth

The past three G20 presidencies focused strongly on pandemic preparedness and response by highlighting the importance of global solidarity in healthcare.

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The five I’s for building healthcare resilience amid demographic shifts and aid reductions

The G20 can address health system stressors of the Global South and should adopt a healthcare resilience framework that will ensure sustainable healthcare service delivery.

Six key strategies to boost the circular economy and accelerate the low-carbon steel transition

G20 member countries could lead South-South collaboration by creating a Global Alliance for Steel Scrap to promote circular economy policies and standardise scrap trade regulations.

Image: Unsplash, A Chosen Soul

South Africa’s G20: A mandate for climate action and energy transition

The G20, responsible for over 80% of global GDP and emissions, must advocate for a Just Energy Transition (JET) that meets everyone's needs.

Overcoming ‘original sin’: MDBs to the rescue?

The G20 countries have highlighted that emerging countries struggle to borrow in their national currencies, emphasising the potential role of multilateral development banks (MDBs) and the need for more local currency options.

Image: Unsplash, Levi Morsy

The G20 as a platform for dialogue on nature-based solutions: A brief analysis based on the EUDR

How can the G20 promote nature-based solutions (NBS) in line with UNFCCC objectives, given that addressing deforestation is vital for combating climate change and biodiversity loss?