Group of 20(G20)

How the G-20 Works

Founded in 1999, the G-20 began as a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors who met once a year, usually in late autumn, to discuss international economic issues. With the onset of the global economic crisis in 2008, the G-20 evolved into the premier leaders forum for our international economic cooperation. Annual meetings of finance ministers and central bank governors continue to take place, advancing the work of the G-20 and contributing to the discussions at leaders summits. G-20 leaders met three times from 2008 to 2010 and are meeting twice in 2010. From 2011 onward, it is expected that G-20 leaders summits will be held annually. Summit hosts are responsible for preparing leaders summits and for organizing the series of preparatory meetings that advance G-20 work throughout the year. The G-20 has no permanent secretariat, and much of the preparation for the summit is completed by G-20 leaders personal representatives, known as Sherpas. Sherpas maintain contact with each other over the course of the year to discuss agenda items for the summit and coordinate the work of the G-20.

Working Groups
Working groups and experts groups are established when needed to support the work of leaders, finance ministers, central bank governors and Sherpas. Working groups and experts groups are generally co-chaired by one advanced and one emerging economy. For example, along with India, Canada chaired the Working Group on Enhancing Sound Regulation and Strengthening Transparency in preparation for the London Summit. In 2010, Canada and India are co-chairing the Working Group on the G-20 Framework for Strong, Sustainable, and Balanced Growth.

Working groups and experts groups currently exist in the following areas:  Working groups o Framework for Strong, Sustainable, and Balanced Growth o Anti-Corruption (established at the G-20 Toronto Summit) o Development (established at the G-20 Toronto Summit) o International Monetary Fund Quota and Governance Reform  Experts groups o Financial Safety Nets o Financial Inclusion o Energy

Members
The G-20 consists of 19 countries and the European Union. Click on the links below for information about G-20 members.

Argentina

Australia

Brazil

Canada

China

France

Germany

India

Indonesia

Italy

Japan

Mexico

Republic of Korea

Russia

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

Turkey

United Kingdom

United States of America

European Union

Involvement of Other Organizations

The G-20s work is supported by international organizations such as the World Bank, the IMF, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the International Labour Organization, the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. The G-20 calls upon experts from these institutions for technical advice and input from their respective areas of responsibility. The G-20 also works with the Financial Stability Board to address vulnerabilities, to develop and implement strong regulatory, supervisory and other policies in the interest of financial stability, and to monitor and report on progress in strengthening financial regulation.