It is important to preserve the G20 as an effective forum for dialogue – across regions. How can we secure that? Some reflections:

  • The G20 should remain an informal and leader-driven process.
  • The group should have the flexibility and agility to respond to new and emerging crises.
  • At the same time, the agenda should focus on areas where the Leaders’ engagement can influence positive global change.
  • There should be a clearer coherence between the Leaders’ agenda and the underlying G20 structure. The troika group must ensure consistency over time.
  • Also, the G20’s openness should be maintained by reaching out to countries and communities outside the group. This strengthens the group’s legitimacy, and it extends the knowledge and understanding of the group’s role in global governance.

As a G20 guest country for the past two years, and also under the German presidency in 2017, Norway has observed the development of the G20 agenda, and of the G20’s role and impact.

The number of participants around the table has increased, and maybe too much. On the other hand, while guest countries contribute to the increase, those countries also enhance the diversity of the G20. They add value to the process.

From my perspective, we see our role as supporting the presidency, bringing ideas and solutions to the table, and building bridges between G20 members. My view is that the ability to do this should be the criterium for selecting future guest countries.

The G20 represents added value when it can build bridges and develop common solutions to global challenges. The G20 should complement and not weaken the formal multilateral structures, such as the United Nations and the Bretton Woods Institutions. The reason is that we also need those institutions to function better, and the G20 may help in advancing reforms and improved delivery – but in a way that respects the unique legitimacy and universal membership of the formal multilateral institutions.

A well-functioning G20 benefits the larger global community. To continue to fulfil this important role – which is more important than ever in today’s polarized discussions, both at global and national levels – the G20 members must be willing to look critically at what should be its focus towards 2030.

I have heard many calls for “going back to basics”. We agree that there is a need for a more focused agenda. We also need to define what “basics” mean in 2025, which is not the same as in 1999 or 2015. Global challenges have evolved, and new ones have emerged.

In other words, the G20 agenda must reflect the world of today. “Basics” can no longer be only about financial stability. The global challenges of our times – where common solutions are needed, rather than purely national approaches – must be at the centre of the G20 agenda.

Climate, nature and environment, global health, international taxation issues, reform of global governance – all these affect global economic growth and financial stability. For all those issues we need to find joint solutions together.

With a bold vision and strong will, the G20 can continue to be a group that positively influences global development, even in the next 20 years.

 

Jonas Gahr Støre

Prime Minister of Norway