Wednesday, June 16, 2010

What is the G20?

ILSC_EtJ June 16, 2010

The G20 (The Group of Twenty) is the forum for international economic development that promotes open and constructive discussion between countries on important issues related to global economic stability. It helps to support growth and development across the globe. The G20 was created as a response to the financial crises of the late 1990s. Many world leaders felt that they were not being included in economic discussions. The 20 countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Turkey, The United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

We interviewed some students from ILSC about what they knew of the G20, and they gave a variety of answers. Some people don't know what it was, and one person knew about it in detail. Here are a couple of interviews showing very different levels of awareness.

Q:    Do you know what the G20 is?
A:    No. I don't know.
Q:    Please, guess what it is!

A:    Is it a Canadian holiday? A store? A street?

Q:    Do you know what the G20 is?
A:   Yes, but not in detail. The G20 is when [the leaders of] 20 countries gather in one place and they talk about a how to lead the world.
Q:    Do you know where it is being held this summer?
A:    Toronto.
Q:    How do you feel about that?
A:    My country Korea is part of the G20. It's very exciting.

Some agreed with the G20, but others disagreed. Those who agreed with it thought that the leaders would discuss improving world economics. However, the people who disagreed with the summit thought that it would only focus on economics, and have no interest in developing countries and the environment, and that the G20 considers economics and business as the most important things.

Discussing the world's economics is very important, but we have to consider other things like the environment or welfare. At the fifth summit, which will be held in South Korea, they will extend to topics such as climate change, energy security, and food support.

The history of The G20