Since 2013, the Civil 20 has given the public a formal voice in G20 outcomes. The C20 shaped policy on issues from vaccine access and clean energy to AI oversight and the protection of children online. By 2025, it represented over 3,000 organizations worldwide.

In 2026, the G20 presidency eliminated all civil society engagement groups. The only group retained is the Business 20. For the first time since the C20 was established, there is no structured mechanism for the public to be heard.

The Shadow C20 is building a global coalition to ensure the public has a voice at this year’s G20. We are bringing together organizations that shaped C20 policy to draft and publish a civil society statement — with broad endorsements — before the 2026 Leaders’ Summit. The Summit will produce commitments governments cite for years. We intend to ensure those commitments reflect the public interest.

The Shadow C20 was launched in March 2026 by the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) in cooperation with other global NGOs who have participated in the C20 process.

Policy Areas

Our coalition is dedicated to issues that matter to the public:

• Economic justice, labor rights, debt reform

• Climate action and clean energy transitions

• Humanitarian action and refugees

• Inclusive digital transformation, AI governance, and the protection of children online

• Global health

• Education for all

• Anti-corruption transparency and democratic accountability