Algeria’s call for equity and reform in global governance

Against a global backdrop marked by increasingly complex economic, social and environmental challenges, Algeria’s active participation as a guest during South Africa’s G20 presidency is particularly important for both our country and the countries of the African continent.

This invitation from South Africa is a testament to the historical ties of friendship and cooperation between Algeria and its fellow African country, as well as the commitments of these countries at the multilateral level. The G20, a forum for the world’s most powerful economies, represents a strategic space for defending African interests. Algeria, as a guest country, intends to contribute to this.

It is in this spirit that Algeria strongly supports South Africa’s priorities as president of the G20. This presidency comes at a time marked by a weakening of multilateralism, non-compliance with and even flagrant violations of international and humanitarian law, and recourse to the rule of might over right in relations between states, which runs counter to the spirit of cooperation within the G20 involving developing countries. In addition, we are all witnessing alarming developments in security and the environment that are causing instability and threatening the very foundations of the entire international system.

Furthermore, various United Nations reports consistently highlight the alarming reality that progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has been modest, and climate action targets are becoming increasingly out of reach. Funding gaps for the SDGs and climate change mitigation amount to billions of dollars and continue to grow.

This presents an opportunity for the G20 to play a leading role in restoring international law and revitalising multilateralism. 

Algeria, in line with its mandate within the G20, will continue to advocate for coordinated, comprehensive and inclusive solutions that meet the challenges faced by developing countries.

In our view, managing debt remains a key focus of discussion within this group. With many countries facing unsustainable debt, we must find innovative and supportive financing mechanisms.

To this end, Algeria is advocating in international forums for debt relief for African countries, which is one of the central topics on the G20’s agenda of ministerial meetings and the summit in 2025, and for developed countries to honour their commitment to devote 0.7% of their gross national product to development assistance.

In addition, our country actively supports the idea of a just energy transition, a core priority for the G20. The aim is to enable developing countries, particularly in Africa, to access renewable energy and secure financial and technical support to accelerate their energy transition, without compromising the achievement of the SDGs in these countries. 

As part of discussions on global economic governance, Algeria is committed to reforming international financial institutions that no longer reflect the economic realities of today’s world. Despite its growing demographic and economic weight, our continent remains marginalised in these institutions and deserves to be given its rightful place.

It is therefore essential to reform these institutions to ensure better representation and more inclusive decision-making. This would include a review of the decision-making mechanisms within the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other international financial institutions. The need for a more equitable and transparent approach is all the more urgent at a time when developing countries are facing economic crises exacerbated, in particular, by the effects of climate change. 

Furthermore, the African Union’s accession to the G20 represents a significant step forward on the global economic stage. Our country views this membership as an opportunity to advocate for Africa’s interests in international forums. It will undoubtedly enhance the influence of African countries over global decisions, particularly in areas such as development financing, market access and technology transfer.

Our country will advocate for the establishment of a win-win partnership between the G20 and Africa, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area, given its importance in integrating African economies and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth on the continent.

It should be recalled that our country has actively participated in the various G20 meetings, was one of the first to cancel the debt of several African countries, and has been involved in implementing major infrastructure projects on the African continent, such as the Trans-Saharan Highway, the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline, and the Trans-Sahara Optical Fibre Backbone Project, as well as the ongoing Tindouf–Zouérat road project.

Regarding its economy, Algeria has implemented several reforms to improve budget management and enhance transparency. The government has introduced mechanisms to diversify sources of revenue and reduce dependence on oil and gas. In terms of the energy transition, Algeria has also launched a green energy initiative by implementing an ambitious programme to develop renewable energy sources and enhance energy efficiency.

All these actions have helped Algeria make considerable progress, positioning it among the countries on track to achieve the SDGs by the agreed-upon deadline and placing it among the top African countries in terms of the Human Development Index. Translated from French.