Paradigm Initiative, a Pan-African digital rights and inclusion advocacy organization, has condemned the exclusion of civil society organizations from the 2026 G20 process. This exclusion marks the first time since 2013 that civil society groups have not been included in the G20 summit process. The 2026 G20 Leaders' Summit is scheduled to take place on December 14 and 15 in Miami, Florida, United States.
Previously, the G20 process allowed civil society groups to contribute to policymaking discussions on various issues, including vaccine access, clean energy, artificial intelligence regulation, and online child protection. The Civil 20, a platform for civil society engagement, had provided an official voice in G20 outcomes since its inception. However, the 2026 G20 presidency has eliminated this participation, leaving only the Business 20 as the sole representative of non-governmental interests.
Paradigm Initiative welcomed the European Commission's expression of regret over the exclusion of civil society organizations. In a letter to the global coordinator of the Shadow C20 Coalition, the commission expressed "deep regret" over the exclusion, acknowledging that "public participation is essential to the legitimacy of international policymaking." This sentiment is shared by Paradigm Initiative, which sees the exclusion as a significant setback for inclusive and representative policymaking.
In response to the exclusion, Paradigm Initiative has joined the Shadow C20 Coalition, launched by the Centre for AI and Digital Policy in collaboration with international non-governmental organizations. The coalition has been working since March to develop and publish a civil society statement outlining priorities for G20 action on artificial intelligence ahead of the leaders' summit. This effort aims to ensure that the public is represented in the G20 process despite the official exclusion of civil society organizations.
The Shadow C20 Coalition has been actively working to develop recommendations on artificial intelligence for the G20 ahead of the leaders' summit. Paradigm Initiative, as a member of the coalition, is contributing to these efforts, emphasizing the importance of public input in shaping policies that affect global citizens. The organization believes that the exclusion of civil society from the G20 process undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the resulting policies.
Key points from the exclusion of civil society organizations from the 2026 G20 process include: - The 2026 G20 presidency has excluded civil society participation for the first time since 2013. - The European Commission has expressed "deep regret" over the exclusion, highlighting the importance of public participation in international policymaking. - Paradigm Initiative has joined the Shadow C20 Coalition to ensure public representation in the G20 process, focusing on artificial intelligence and other critical issues.
