performance. The four highest-complying summits averaged 83% with 3,896 words and 33 commitments on infrastructure. In contrast, the three lowest-performing summits averaged 63%, with just 1,801 words and 12 commitments. The standout was Brisbane 2014, with 98% compliance. It produced a dedicated document – the G20 Note on the Global Infrastructure Initiative and Hub – and established the Global Infrastructure Hub. Finally, the G20 should hold regular infrastructure ministerial meetings to complement the existing working group. Given the inherent cross-cutting nature of infrastructure, an agenda-specific forum can set clear priorities, including investment, financing, climate resilience and more. Evidence from other G20 policy areas indicates that dedicated ministerial meetings are correlated with higher compliance with the leaders’ commitments. CONCLUSION At the 2025 Johannesburg Summit, G20 leaders should make infrastructure a central pillar of their agenda by promoting sustainable, climate-resilient and inclusive systems that support the
just energy transition. This requires prioritising low-carbon materials, designing adaptable projects that can withstand climate risks and addressing infrastructure gaps that limit Africa’s ability to leverage its critical mineral reserves for green energy. To mobilise capital, the G20 should encourage blended finance models that mitigate investor risk, while aligning foreign investment with both African priorities and the global sustainability agenda. Finally, by fostering cross-border trade, reducing barriers to finance and ensuring underserved communities gain access to physical and digital infrastructure, the G20 and its South African presidency can show that cooperation drives equitable growth and strengthens global stability.
// JULIA TOPS Julia Tops is a senior researcher with the G20 and G7 Research Groups. She served as a lead analyst and compliance director of the G20 Research Group as well as co-chair of summit studies for the G7 Research Group. She holds a master’s of science in development studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her research interest focuses on development, specifically that of infrastructure and infrastructure financing. X-TWITTER @g20rg www.g20.utoronto.ca
G20 PERFORMANCE ON INFRASTRUCTURE 2008–2024
100
75
50
25
0
Compliance (%)
Conclusions (% words)
Commitments (%)
127 globalgovernanceproject.org
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