The Think20: the G20’s discreet “ideas bank.”

The Think20 (T20) is an official G20 task force that brings together think tanks and high-level experts from the political spectrum to discuss key policy issues. The T20, to be held in Brazil, will focus on issues of importance to the global South. Asuntos del Sur will be present at this critical meeting to defend the interests of human rights defenders. 

Some information about the G20

The Group of 20 (G20), established in 1999, is the central forum for global cooperation on financial and economic issues. It brings together the world’s most advanced and emerging economies: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. During the last G20 summit, the African Union officially joined the organisation, becoming its 21st member. The G20 economies account for 80% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population.

Finding solutions, however, in a geopolitical context mutating towards polarised global governance. More and more analysts see the end of American hegemony, being replaced by new emerging powers with distinct agendas. The balance between state forces is much more balanced, which can lead to a range of very different outcomes. The management of Russia’s place in the G20 since its invasion of Ukraine is a perfect illustration of these differences, with an American president proclaiming loud and clear that Russia is no longer welcome in this forum, but with the rest of the countries remaining very silent…

Brazil’s T20 agenda

In this increasingly tense international context, there is a consensus among all analysts on the necessity to implement greater collaboration between countries. As a result, the T20’s influence and responsibilities are growing, and the choice of think tanks and organisations to collaborate with is being made with care. They must provide innovative ways for governments, think tanks and international organisations to work together and methods to facilitate greater convergence between the G20 and the T20. The T20 has already produced over 300 policy briefs and other research outputs from 1,000 authors from over 700 universities worldwide, 45% of whom are women. But there’s still a long way to go!

Luciano Serva, President of the Institute for Applied Economic Research, not only stated that one of the central elements of this G20 would be its close collaboration with the T20 but also highlighted the vital role that inclusive development will play during the Forum, as well as the ongoing efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To respond to these priorities, six task forces will work on six major themes selected by the T20 Brazil organising committee: Fighting inequality, poverty and hunger; Sustainable climate action and inclusive and fair energy transitions; Reforming the international financial architecture; Trade and investment for sustainable and inclusive growth; Inclusive digital transformation; Strengthening multilateralism and global governance.