G20 and Think 20

T20 is a broad-based network of think tanks, which provides evidence-based policy advice to the G20. As co-host under the German presidency in 2017, IDOS in cooperation with MGG partners,  played a key role in strengthening the network.

An outstanding achievement of the IDOS has been the unprecedented degree of inclusion which has come about through broad participation of MGG partners from Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa. Moreover partners from Southern G20 countries have been actively engaged in the processes. For example: MGG-partners participated in the Task Force on Trade and Investment and co-authored policy briefs addressed to Sherpas. The efforts were greatly rewarded. At the Hamburg Summit, leaders adopted a far-reaching statement on VSS: “In order to achieve sustainable and inclusive supply chains, we commit to fostering the implementation of labour, social and environmental standards and human rights in line with internationally recognised frameworks, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy” (G20 Leaders’ Declaration).

MGG’s strong presence in the T20 process also broke new ground in terms of relations between the G20 and Africa. Following an MGG-T20 conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, in early 2017, the T20 Africa Standing Group was constituted at the T20 Berlin Summit, in May 2017. The knowledge alliance of MGG and African partners provides the ground for a new partnership between the G20 and the continent. This new partnership is crucial to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to create new opportunities for research on global cooperation.