It Is Time for G20 Leaders to Embrace Civil Society

There is a growing list of critical problems in the G20’s inbox, namely faltering global economy, terrorist threats in a majority of G20 member states, and a patched-up climate change agreement. Solving these problems will take more than 20 heads of state and their economic ministers. The role of the private sector is widely acknowledged, but the power of civil society is often dismissed. Addressing these expensive and expansive issues requires the will and contribution of the people. As history has repeatedly shown, it is charities, non-profits, NGOs, social movements, and individual citizens that make the critical difference when we try to solve the world’s most pressing problems. The upcoming G20 summit should be viewed as an opportunity to improve the basic conditions for civil society to thrive. More information is available here.

Source: Cathal Gilbert/Al Jazeera