The leaders of the world's major economies, including 19 nations and the European Union, met in London in April 2009 for the London Summit 2009. The G20 refers to the 20 major economies in the world. Representatives from G20 countries have met since 1999 in summits, but this year will be the second one where the economies are represented by government leaders.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that the G20 world leaders pledged to give an additional $1 trillion to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. In a statement following the summit, Brown said, "Today's decisions, of course, will not immediately solve the crisis. But we have begun the process by which it will be solved...I think a new world order is emerging with the foundation of a new progressive era of international cooperation."Guardian Unlimited: Today's G20 deal will solve financial crisis, claims Gordon Brown (April 2, 2009)
Invited
The president of the EU Commission and government leaders from 19 countries are invited. The Chair of The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the Chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and The Chairman of the African Union Commission will also attend.Official Site: G-20
Goals
The Web site for the Summit lays out three focuses for the meeting:
- "Stabilize financial markets and enable families and businesses to get through the recession"Official Site: G-20
- "Reform and strengthen the global financial and economic system to restore confidence and trust"Official Site: G-20
- "Put the global economy on track for sustainable growth"Official Site: G-20
Protests
Previous global meetings on the economy have resulted in massive protests, for example, the meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1999 in Seattle. Several demonstrations and protests will be held before and during the summit. On March 28, 2009, a major protest will be held in which about 20,000 people are expected to participate. A group of anarchists are planning to infiltrate the protest.The Telegraph: G20 Summit: Fears that anarchists plan to hijack march (March 27, 2009) A group called G20 Meltdown will stage parades.The Guardian: The voices in G20's chorus of protest (March 8, 2009)
References
Fast Facts
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Time
Starts on April 2, 2009
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Location
London
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G20 refers to the 20 major economies in the world, 19 nations and the European Union
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Last year's meeting was held in Washington, D.C. in November
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A meeting was held in March 2009 between finance ministers to lay the groundwork for the summit
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Several demonstrations will be held before and during the eventThe Guardian: The voices in G20's chorus of protest (March 8, 2009)
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First G20 meeting was held in 1999
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First Leader's Summit, where government leaders represented the economies
In 2008 in Washington, D.C.
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