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THE GROUP OF TWENTY (G20)

The Group of Twenty, or the G20, is the premier forum for international economic cooperation.  The G20 brings together the leaders of both developed and developing countries from every continent. Collectively, the G20economies account for around 90% of the Gross World Product (GWP),  80% of world trade, two-thirds of the world population, and approximately half of the world’s land area. Throughout the year, representatives from G20countries gather to discuss financial and socioeconomic issues.

Historically, the G20 was established in 1999 at the level of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, and it convened for high-level discussions on macro-financial issues. Following the 2008 global financial crisis, the G20 was elevated to include the leaders of member countries.

The first G20 Leaders’ Summit took place in Washington D.C. in November 2008. Consonantly, the G20 agenda expanded beyond macro-financial issues to include socio-economic and development issues.

The Presidency of the G20 rotates between member countries every year and plays a leading role in setting the agendaand organizing the Leaders’ Summit, which is attended by the G20  Heads of State or Government. At the Summit,  the leaders issue a declaration, or communiqué,  based on policy discussions at meetings held throughout the year. In therun-up to the Summit,  the Presidency hosts several meetings featuring  Ministers, senior government officials, as well as civil society representatives. At the government level, the G20 work is organized around the Finance and Sherpa Tracks, while civil society assembles through Engagement Groups

G20 Members include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.

Several official engagement groups—such as Business 20 (B20), Youth 20 (Y20), Labour 20 (L20), Think 20 (T20), Civil 20 (C20), Women 20 (W20), Science 20 (S20), and Urban 20 (U20)—along with many non-official engagement groups representing diverse interests, carry out activities throughout the year. These efforts aim to provide G20 leaders with concrete recommendations on a broad range of issues during the Annual Summit.

Under its 2026 Presidency, the United States is expected to advance a renewed focus on democratic cooperation, inclusive economic growth, and global resilience. Building on the engagement mechanisms strengthened by previous presidencies, the U.S. G20 aims to foster open dialogue among governments, civil society, the private sector, and international institutions, ensuring that a broad range of stakeholders contribute to shaping practical and forward-looking outcomes. Through this approach, the United States seeks to reinforce the G20’s role as a forum for collective action in addressing shared global challenges ahead of the 2026 Leaders’ Summit.

G20 COUNTRIES THAT HOST SPINE20

Saudi Arabia – 2020

For the Year 2020, Saudi Arabia hosted country for G20 summit. The economy of Saudi Arabia is considered to be the largest in the Middle East and the 18th largest in the world. Saudi Arabia has the world’s second-largest proven petroleum and fifth largest proven natural gas reserves, as such, Saudi Arabia is considered an “energy superpower” . The Saudi G20 Presidency began 1 December 2019 and ended on 30 November 2020, the Leader’s summit was  held on 21- 22 November 2020 in Riyadh.

Italy – 2021

The economy of Italy is the third-largest national economy in the European Union, the eighth-largest by nominal GDP in the world, and the 12th-largest by GDP (PPP). Italy is a founding member of the European Union, the Eurozone, the OECD, the G7 and the G20. it is the tenth-largest exporter in the world, with $632 billion exported in 2019. Its closest trade ties are with the other countries of the European Union, with whom it conducts about 59% of its total trade.

Indonesia -2022

For the year 2022, Indonesia was the host country for the G20 Summit. Indonesia’s economy is considered the largest in Southeast Asia and one of the largest emerging market economies in the world. The country is rich in natural resources, including coal, palm oil, and nickel, and plays an important role in global supply chains and regional economic stability. The Indonesian G20 Presidency began on 1 December 2021 and ended on 30 November 2022, and the Leaders’ Summit was held on 15–16 November 2022 in Bali.

India – 2023

For the year 2023, India was the host country for the G20 Summit. India’s economy is considered the largest in South Asia and one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. The country has a diversified economy, with strong contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and services, and plays an increasingly important role in global economic growth. The Indian G20 Presidency began on 1 December 2022 and ended on 30 November 2023, and the Leaders’ Summit was held on 9–10 September 2023 in New Delhi.

Brazil – 2024

For the year 2024, Brazil served as the host country for the G20 Summit. Brazil’s economy is considered the largest in Latin America and one of the major emerging economies in the world. The country has a diverse economic base, with strong sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services, and it plays a significant role in global food and commodity markets. The Brazilian G20 Presidency began on 1 December 2023 and ended on 30 November 2024, and the Leaders’ Summit was held on 18–19 November 2024 in Rio de Janeiro.

South Africa – 2025

For the year 2025, South Africa was the host country for the G20 Summit. South Africa’s economy is considered the largest and most industrialized in Africa and plays a leading role in regional and continental economic development. The country has a diverse economy, with key sectors including mining, manufacturing, finance, and services, and it is an important gateway for investment into Africa. The South African G20 Presidency began on 1 December 2024 and will end on 30 November 2025, and the Leaders’ Summit was held in in November 2025..

USA – 2026

For the year 2026, the United States will serve as the host country for the G20 Summit. The United States has the largest economy in the world and plays a central role in global economic governance, trade, finance, and innovation. The country has a highly diversified and advanced economy, with key sectors including technology, manufacturing, finance, energy, and services, and it remains a major driver of global growth. The United States G20 Presidency will begin on 1 December 2025 and end on 30 November 2026, and the Leaders’ Summit is expected to be held in the United States in November 2026.