Second draft of the C20 IWG policy paper which, at the time of writing, was open to consultation from late April – 15 May 2020.

The Paper highlights the relevant commitments made by the G20 Finance Ministers since 2018 when it was announced that infrastructure would remain a top G20 priority for the following three years. It outlines the current G20 position on meeting global infrastructure needs, including a focus on mobilising private and institutional investment though the development of ‘infrastructure as an asset class’, and some of the risks in doing so. It also points to the G20 adoption of Quality Infrastructure Investment Principles in 2019 which was welcomed by the C20 as an indication that it was committing to a less narrow focus on financing and a more comprehensive approach.

This year, the start of the ‘decade of delivery’ and the challenges associated with coronavirus and the ensuing global recession will put that commitment to the test. With this in mind the paper asks: Will such challenges see the G20 consider broader and more relevant priorities? A series of recommendations are then put forward.