The G20, or Group of Twenty, is an international forum that plays a strategic role in securing future global economic growth and prosperity by facilitating international cooperation and dialogue among the world’s major economies.
Comprising 19 countries and the European Union and African Union, the G20 serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on issues such as sustainable development, financial stability, climate change, and global health, fostering collaboration to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
Global representation
Collectively, G20 members represent around 87% of global GDP, 62% of the world’s population, and over 75% of global trade.
Throughout the year, representatives from G20 countries gather to discuss financial and socioeconomic issues, aiming to foster global economic stability and prosperity.
G20 Presidency
The G20 Summit is held annually under the leadership of a rotating Presidency.
South Africa will hold the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025.
During this period, South Africa will steer the G20 agenda, culminating in the hosting of the G20 Summit on Saturday, 22 November and Sunday, 23 November in Johannesburg.
Countries
The G20 comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States), and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.Â
Engagement groups
The G20 is reinforced by several engagement groups that provide a platform for diverse stakeholders to contribute to the G20 discussions.
These groups include:
B20 (Business 20)
Dialogue Forum with the international business community. Established in 2010.
C20 (Civil Society 20)
Dialogue Forum with non-governmental organisations. Established in 2013.
JC20 (Supreme and Constitutional Courts)
Judicial system Dialogue Forum. Established in 2018.
O20 (Ocean 20)
Dialogue Forum recognising importance of the oceans. Established in 2024
P20 (Parliament 20)
Dialogue Forum with Parliaments. Established in 2010.
S20 (Science 20)
Dialogue Forum with national science academies. Established in 2017.
SAI20 (Supreme Audit Institutions 20)
Dialogue Forum of Supreme Audit Institutions. Established in 2022.
Startup20
Dialogue Forum for the startup ecosystem stakeholders. Established in 2023.
T20 (Think Tanks 20)
Dialogue Forum with think tanks. Established in 2012.
U20 (Urban 20)
Dialogue Forum of city representatives and leaders from G20 cities. Established in 2017.
W20 (Women 20)
Dialogue Forum with women. Established in 2015.
Y20 (Youth 20)
Youth Summit. Established in 2010.
How many of the G20 members could you name?
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