Paradigm Initiative condemns exclusion of civil society from 2026 G20 process
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has condemned the exclusion of civil society organisations from the 2026 G20 process while welcoming the European Commission’s expression of regret over the development.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Pan-African digital rights and inclusion advocacy organisation said the 2026 G20 presidency had, for the first time since 2013, excluded civil society engagement.
The 2026 G20 Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for December 14 and 15 in Miami, Florida, United States. Previously, the G20 process allowed civil society groups to contribute to policymaking discussions on issues such as vaccine access, clean energy, artificial intelligence regulation, and online child protection.
“For the first time since the C20’s inception, there is no structured mechanism within the G20 for public input,” PIN said.
“The 2026 G20 presidency eliminated civil society participation for the first time since 2013. Since 2013, the Civil 20 has given the public an official voice in G20 outcomes.”
It added, “The only group retained is the Business 20.”
Paradigm Initiative welcomed the European Commission’s expression of regret over the exclusion. It said that, 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.”
The organisation said that in response to the exclusion, it joined the Shadow C20 Coalition in 2026 to ensure that the public is represented in the G20 process.
Launched by the Centre for AI and Digital Policy in collaboration with international non-governmental organisations that participated in the C20 process, the coalition has worked since March to develop and publish a civil society statement outlining priorities for G20 action on artificial intelligence ahead of the leaders’ summit.
According to PIN, the coalition has been working since March to develop recommendations on artificial intelligence for the G20 ahead of the leaders’ summit.
Paradigm Initiative connects underserved young Africans with digital opportunities while promoting digital rights across the continent.
The organisation has worked in Nigerian communities since 2007 and across Africa since 2017, with interventions in more than 27 African countries.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Woman sentenced to prison for defaming NDA commandant
The judge’s ruling of a one-year custodial term on each of the two counts, to run concurrently, was suspended for three years under a plea bargain agreement.
World
Paradigm Initiative condemns exclusion of civil society from 2026 G20 process
Paradigm Initiative said that, for the first time since 2013, G20 leaders excluded civil society participation from the 2026 summit process.
Africa
Kenya to shut embassy in Switzerland November 30
Kenya says it will permanently close its embassy in Bern, Switzerland, on November 30 amid a broader restructuring of its diplomatic missions abroad.
Sport
Ten Super Eagles players arrive Uyo for AFCON qualifier against Tanzania
The players landed at Victor Attah International Airport on Tuesday before heading to the national team camp, hours after their opponents landed in Uyo.
States
Ogun govt to upgrade major roads
The Ogun government has approved the construction and rehabilitation of major roads across the state.
Economy
NSW begins second phase of export operations December 14: Fakolade
The director of the NSW project says the second phase of its export operations will begin on December 14 to simplify trade documentation and improve export processes.
