AICESIS at the G20 Social Summit in Rio: “Inclusive governance is not an option, but a necessity”

At the G20 Social Summit held on November 15 and
16, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar
Institutions (AICESIS) underscored the urgent need for inclusive governance. Under the presidency of the
Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao, AICESIS called for reforms that place societal
participation at the heart of global decision-making.
“Inclusive governance is not merely an option but the cornerstone of fair and effective policymaking,”
stated the delegation, comprising Apostolos Xyrafis, Secretary-General of AICESIS, and Raul Henriquez,
Director/Secretary General of the SER of Curaçao. Addressing a room filled with policymakers and civil
society representatives, they emphasized that without broad-based participation, sustainable solutions
remain out of reach.
During the panel discussion titled “Economic and Social Councils and the Inclusion of Civil Society in
Global Governance,” Henriquez outlined how the AICESIS presidency is advancing the Roadmap for
Broad and Inclusive Growth, which aims to align economic progress with social equity. “The richest 1%
controls nearly 40% of global wealth, while hundreds of millions struggle to survive. A fundamental
overhaul of global governance is urgently needed,” Henriquez asserted.
AICESIS highlighted the importance of setting SMART goals — specific, measurable, achievable,
realistic, and time-bound — to ensure transparent and effective policy outcomes. “Inclusive policy is not
just about financial growth,” the delegation noted. “It is about equitable opportunities, redistributing
resources, and safeguarding natural assets for future generations.”
The AICESIS call for action resonated in the final communiqué of the G20 Summit. For the first time,
world leaders explicitly recognized the decisive role of civil society in shaping global governance. “We
welcome the innovative approach of the Brazilian G20 Presidency to better integrate stakeholder groups,”
the declaration reads. “This approach highlights the constructive role that civil society can and must play
in addressing economic, financial, political, environmental, and social challenges. We commend the
decision to host a G20 Social Summit, a unique platform for non-governmental stakeholders to voice their
perspectives on critical global issues.”
AICESIS lauded the G20’s acknowledgment as a major step toward more equitable and transparent
governance. “This confirms that civil society participation is not symbolic but a vital building block for fair
decision-making,” the delegation affirmed.
In its concluding remarks, AICESIS called on governments, civil society, and the private sector to unite for
lasting change. “The G20 declaration is a step in the right direction, but real progress requires sustained
collective commitment,” the delegation emphasized. “Only through collaboration can we reshape global
governance into a system that is fair, inclusive, and future proof.”
About AICESIS
AICESIS is a global network of economic and social councils representing over 70 countries. The
organization promotes participatory governance and policies centered on equity and sustainability. Since
November 2023, the SER of Curaçao has the AICESIS presidency for a two-year term.