Leveraging G-20 Membership in Enhancing Asia-Africa Cooperation : Examining Possibilities, Prospects, and Potential Problems

The paper examines the extent to which the membership of Indonesia and South Africa in G 20 can be leveraged to the benefit of not only the two countries but also Asia and African population as a whole. The paper explores the process that has led to the emergence of what some today call the New World Economic order, placing it squarely on the impact of the 2008-2009 global financial crisis and policy response regarded as vital by nations that were hit hard, which include promoting strong , sustainable and balanced growth in emerging, developing and developed nations alike. Initiatives Indonesia and South Africa can take to enhance the benefits Asians and Africans can derive from G 20 stature as the new global economy architect, manager , and protector, are laid out in various policy initiatives the author puts forward ranging from climate change and Green economy advocacy, democracy and good governance, dispute resolution, serving as voice of the South in restructuring the international Financial system, to strengthening regional integration as a stepping stone to Global Integration. However, such a process is by no means plain sailing, given various challenges Indonesia and South Africa are likely to face in their attempts to utilize G 20 in pushing for the interests of Asia and Africa