What you need to know about the G20 summit in Germany
Expect robust debate on economics, climate change and trade, with the shadow of North Korea’s missile tests hanging over the gathering
First held in 2008, the Group of Twenty summit, better known as the G20, is one of the most important global forums for international economic cooperation and coordination.
It brings together 19 countries as well as the European Union, and its members account for over 80 per cent of the world’s gross domestic product and host almost two-thirds of the world’s population.
The two-day summit, to be held in the city of Hamburg, marks the climax of a year of G20 gatherings hosted by Germany.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government has set “Shaping an Interconnected World” as the theme of this year’s summit. That encompasses three aims – strengthening economic resilience, improving sustainability and assuming responsibilities.
Who is at the helm?
With Germany the host, Merkel will be centre stage. Unlike the first G20 in 2008, when the US was the undisputed leader even while embroiled in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the geopolitical landscape is different. Merkel is expected to show her toughness, especially towards US President Donald Trump, whom she has sharply and publicly criticised over his policies, especially his decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord, as well as his zero-sum approach to world trade.