Civil20

The Civil20, abbreviated C20, is one of the official engagement groups of the G20 process. It provides a platform for civil society organizations, researchers, think tanks, philanthropic bodies, and other non-governmental actors to participate in G20 policy discussions and to submit recommendations to G20 leaders and ministers.

The C20 operates under the host country’s G20 presidency and uses issue-specific working groups, public consultations, expert input, and regional dialogues to gather diverse perspectives. Its activities typically culminate in a policy brief or communique that outlines recommended actions and reforms across priority areas. The outputs are advisory and non-binding, intended to inform the G20 agenda and contribute to policy debates rather than to dictate decisions.

Governance arrangements for the C20 are coordinated by a secretariat or chair, with participation open to a wide range of civil society actors across regions. The group is designed to be inclusive and transparent, often coordinating with the host government as part of the broader G20 engagement group framework. The C20 also collaborates with other engagement groups, such as Business20 and Think20, to align civil society recommendations with broader G20 deliberations.

In practice, the C20 addresses topics linked to sustainable development, climate action, governance and transparency, health, digital economy, and inclusive growth, among others. Its aim is to amplify civil society voices in global policy discussions and contribute to more people-centered outcomes within the G20 process.