The Potential and Limitations of the G20 Interfaith Forum

The case study of the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) is analyzed as a network of networks that contains alliances and tensions among advocates for social inclusion, economic redistribution, ecological protection, and sustainability objectives. The IF20 has offered an annual platform since 2014 where a network of religiously linked institutions and initiatives have engaged on global agendas that are primarily focused on implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Operating by analogy to formal G20 engagement groups, the IF20 has been informally linked to the full G20 process. In this presentation, I explore how alliances and tensions shift in tandem with current events and changing contexts as different countries host the G20 Presidency year-to-year. Particular attention will be paid to the South African G20 Presidency where networks within the IF20 advocate for a debt cancellation/climate finance campaign to reduce tension between ‘red’ and ‘green’ objectives.