The Group of Twenty (G20) is an international platform that brings together the world’s major economies to coordinate macroeconomic policies, promote global financial stability, and address pressing international challenges. G20 members collectively represent around 85% of global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population. The group includes 19 countries
The The group includes 19 countries, it has no permanent secretariat. Instead, its presidency rotates annually among countries grouped into five regional groups:
- Group 1: Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, United States
- Group 2: India, Russia, South Africa, Türkiye
- Group 3: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico
- Group 4: France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom
- Group 5: China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea
- The African Union (AU) and European Union (EU)
Each year, a country from a different group assumes the presidency. The G20 Presidency coordinates the agenda and hosts meetings, supported by the “troika” the current, previous, and incoming presidencies. During South Africa’s Presidency, the troika will include Brazil (past), South Africa (current), and the United States (incoming).
Established in 1999 following the Asian financial crisis, the G20 began as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. In 2007, the G20 was elevated to a Leaders’ Summit level, expanding its scope to include broader global issues such as trade, climate change, development, health, energy, agriculture, and anti-corruption.
On 9 September 2023, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, the African Union was officially admitted as a permanent member, marking a historic milestone. The AU’s inclusion ensures that Africa has formal representation in global economic governance structures, significantly enhancing its ability to shape international policy.
