International Summits Lack Transparency and Binding Commitments, Says C20 Africa Leader
International summits are often perceived as crucial negotiation spaces for the global economy and social issues. However, according to Sara Branco, a member of the C20 Africa leadership team and international advisor to the Instituto de Referência Negra Peregum, these instances suffer from a lack of transparency and binding commitments.
"The recommendations adopted by leaders are not legally binding. There is no mechanism for civil society to track their implementation and hold governments accountable," she emphasized during the 5th edition of Afrodad, held from March 25 to 27 in Johannesburg.
Branco highlighted the structure of the G20, noting that it relies on a rotating presidency and a troika coordination, comprising the previous year's president, the current president, and the next president. This year, the troika consists of Brazil, South Africa, and the United States. "These three countries determine the agenda of the leaders' summit and can propose adjustments to the G20 structure," she explained.
Two main negotiation tracks structure the G20: the financial track and the Sherpa track. The first, closed to the public, brings together finance ministers and central bank presidents to discuss macroeconomic policies. The second, led by diplomats from each country, is responsible for political and strategic negotiations that culminate in the final summit declaration. This declaration, although consensual, often excludes crucial themes. "For example, last year, the women's group tried to integrate the concept of intersectionality into the final document, but it was not retained due to lack of unanimity," she specified.
Branco also highlighted the contrast between the G20 and the C20 (Civil 20), a platform that aims to amplify the voice of civil society. Unlike the G20, where decisions remain in the hands of states, the C20 allows non-governmental organizations to intervene and influence discussions. However, she regrets that these engagements often remain symbolic. "We fight every year to access closed meetings and make our demands heard, but the lack of transparency remains a major obstacle," she lamented.
This year, under South Africa's presidency of the G20, three task forces have been established to address priority issues: inclusive economic growth and reducing inequalities, food security, and artificial intelligence and data governance. For Branco, these themes are essential, but require stronger involvement from civil society actors to ensure that their recommendations do not remain dead letters.
In conclusion, Sara Branco stressed the need to strengthen accountability mechanisms for leaders and open up discussions to civil society organizations. "If we want to have a real impact, our voices must be heard, and the commitments made at summits must translate into concrete actions," she affirmed.
