Group of Twenty

The Group of Twenty (G20) is an intergovernmental forum comprising the world's major advanced and emerging economies that promotes international economic cooperation and coordination on issues affecting global financial stability, sustainable development, international trade, climate change, public health, energy, and digital transformation. Established in 1999 following the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the G20 was initially formed as a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors to strengthen international financial architecture and policy coordination. In response to the financial crisis of 2007–2008, it was elevated to the level of heads of state and government in 2008, becoming the principal forum for international economic cooperation. The G20 does not have a permanent headquarters or secretariat; instead, its activities are coordinated through an annually rotating presidency held by one of its members.

The G20 consists of 19 sovereign countries and two regional organizations: the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU). Its member countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Together, the members account for approximately 85% of global gross domestic product (GDP), around 75% of international trade, and roughly two-thirds of the world's population. The forum also invites international organizations and guest countries to participate in its meetings, reflecting its role in addressing global economic and development challenges through broad international engagement.

The G20 addresses a wide range of policy issues through ministerial meetings, working groups, engagement groups, and leaders' summits. Its agenda includes macroeconomic policy coordination, financial regulation, international taxation, infrastructure investment, sustainable finance, digital economy, energy transition, food security, climate action, public health, anti-corruption measures, employment, education, and development cooperation. The forum played a pivotal role in coordinating international responses to the financial crisis of 2007–2008, the COVID-19 pandemic, global debt sustainability challenges, and reforms of international financial institutions. While its declarations are not legally binding, they frequently shape the policy priorities of member governments and influence the work of international organizations.

The Group of Twenty works closely with institutions including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the Financial Stability Board (FSB), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations, and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). Through policy dialogue, consensus-building, and international coordination, the G20 plays a central role in strengthening global economic governance, promoting financial stability, supporting sustainable development, and addressing complex transnational challenges affecting the international economy.