Group of 11 (G-11): What It Means for Australia and Global Finance

In a world where economic power is constantly shifting, the Group of 11 (G-11) has emerged as a crucial coalition of developing nations. Their aim? To strengthen their collective bargaining power and influence global economic policy. As 2025 unfolds, the G-11’s role is more relevant than ever, especially for Australians keeping an eye on international trends that shape our own prosperity.

What is the G-11?

The G-11 is a group of middle-income developing countries that formed in 2006, originally to advocate for fairer globalisation and greater financial inclusion. The current members include Jordan, Croatia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Georgia, Honduras, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, and Sri Lanka. Each nation brings unique strengths and challenges, but together, they seek to bridge the gap between the world’s richest and poorest economies.

• Purpose: Amplify the collective voice of developing economies in global forums.

• Key Issues: Debt relief, equitable trade, sustainable development, and access to technology.

• Recent Focus: Navigating post-pandemic recovery, climate finance, and digital inclusion.

2025: The G-11’s Growing Influence

As the world grapples with inflation, supply chain realignments, and new environmental targets, the G-11 is stepping up its advocacy. In early 2025, G-11 leaders jointly called for reforms to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to better reflect the realities facing emerging markets. Their push for debt restructuring mechanisms has gained traction among both creditors and other developing nations, with several proposals under discussion at the G20 and United Nations.

Australia’s trade and investment landscape is directly affected by these shifts. For instance, Indonesia — a G-11 member and one of Australia’s largest trading partners — is leading the bloc’s efforts to secure climate finance and sustainable infrastructure investments. This opens new doors for Australian clean energy exports, technology partnerships, and consulting services.

• Example: In 2025, Australian renewables companies signed joint ventures in Morocco and Indonesia, leveraging G-11 climate initiatives.

• Policy Update: The Australian government’s 2025 budget prioritises engagement with G-11 economies for trade diversification and resilience.

How the G-11 Impacts Australians

The G-11’s priorities aren’t just diplomatic talking points — they have real-world impacts for Australian investors, exporters, and policymakers. Here’s why Australians should pay attention:

• Trade Opportunities: G-11 countries are growth markets for Australian goods, services, and education.

• Investment Flows: Enhanced stability and reform in G-11 markets attract Australian institutional investors seeking diversification.

• Global Supply Chains: As G-11 nations modernise, they create new supply chain links for Australian agribusiness, resources, and tech firms.

• Geopolitical Stability: G-11 collaboration on debt and development reduces risks of global financial shocks, supporting a stable environment for Australia’s own economic planning.

For example, the 2025 Australia-Indonesia Digital Economy Initiative, supported by both governments, is driving fintech partnerships and skills exchange — a direct outcome of G-11 advocacy for digital inclusion.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While the G-11 has achieved greater recognition, it still faces hurdles. Differences in national priorities, limited resources, and the sheer complexity of global finance can hamper progress. However, their collective bargaining power is undeniable — and as Australia looks to deepen its engagement with emerging markets, understanding the G-11’s agenda is essential.

Key challenges for the G-11 in 2025 include:

• Negotiating fairer terms for pandemic-era debt relief

• Securing climate finance from advanced economies

• Ensuring that digital transformation benefits all citizens

For Australians — whether you’re in government, business, or simply curious about global economics — staying informed about the G-11’s actions could mean identifying the next big opportunity or risk before it hits the headlines.