The G20 is a forum comprising nineteen countries with some of the worlds largest economies, as well as the European Union (EU) and, as of 2023, the African Union (AU) . It was formed in 1999 in response to several world economic crises and is a group of twenty of the world’s largest economies that meets regularly to coordinate global policy on trade, health, climate, and other issues. The G20 is not a permanent institution with a headquarters, offices, or staff. Every year, a different G20 member state takes over the presidency and sets the agenda for the leaders summit. The G20 initially focused largely on broad macroeconomic policy, but it has since expanded its ambit to include issues such as trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.

The G20 leaders meet every year to discuss mainly economic and financial matters and coordinate policy on some other issues of mutual interest. Economic and financial coordination remains the centerpiece of each summit’s agenda, but issues such as the future of work, climate change, and global health are recurring focuses as well. Broader agendas became more common in the decade following the global financial crisis, when the G20 was able to turn its attention beyond acute economic crisis management.

The G20 is a significant forum for international economic cooperation, and its members represent 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the worlds population. The G20 has broadened its focus in recent years to include issues such as climate change and sustainable energy. The G20 leaders summit is an opportunity for the leaders of the worlds largest economies to discuss and coordinate on global issues.