Brazil’s G20 Presidency, Civil Society and Transparency

Brazil assumed the presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) in 2024, putting it at the public forefront of setting the global economic governance agenda. Since 1999, the G20 has been a major platform for the world’s largest economies, representing around 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade. As a founding member, Brazil has always been active in G20 discussions, advocating for the interests of emerging economies and for inclusive growth.

Now, the presidency gives Brazil a platform to further its influence and focus on its priorities of sustainable development, economic recovery, digital transformation and global health. And through national fora and thematic working groups, digital platforms and partnerships, Brazil is integrating civil society perspectives into the G20 process. This representation includes various demographics, such as women, youth and indigenous communities.

One example is the recent G20 Digital Economy Working Group meeting in São Luís, Maranhão, where participants discussed safe internet usage, data protection and multisectoral collaboration. Civil society from around the world was represented there by Civil20 (C20). The C20 develops policy recommendations for G20 leaders and Brazil ensures these are considered in dialogue and meeting outcomes. CSOs are also included in the G20 side event, "States of the Future" aimed at “reimagining” the capabilities of state-owned companies.

Brazil monitors and evaluates its engagement with CSOs to improve consultations, and also provides workshops and training sessions to help CSOs engage effectively in G20 processes. The president of the C20 also heads ABONG (Brazilian Association of Non-Governmental Organizations), a national platform that coordinates CSOs, and produced this G20 guide.

More broadly, Brazil consults its public on the G20 agenda through focus groups, polls, surveys and platforms with real-time feedback and interaction to enhance transparency. Transparency itself is of course of a topic itself for CSO input, including regarding government policies such as anti-corruption measures. At CiSoRise, we believe CSOs that practice transparency are those best positioned to be champions of transparency across all sectors.