Looking at the news this year, you could think international cooperation is not particularly high on anyone’s agenda these days. More and more countries are turning inwards and nationalism seems to be on the rise. Yet, many of the biggest challenges we face today — whether it is rising inequality, climate change or the refugee crisis — cannot be solved at home alone, they need to be addressed globally. It's now more important than ever that countries come together and find joint solutions for these issues. Next year's G20 Summit in Germany could be our opportunity to turn the tide.
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What is the G20?
The G20 (Group of Twenty) brings together the world’s biggest industrialised and emerging markets. Together the G20 countries account for over 85% of global GDP and 80% of world trade and they represent over two thirds of the world’s population. If they all agree to act together, they are best placed to mobilize the political will and financial resources needed to address global challenges.
So who's made it into the G20?
There are 19 individual countries who sit on the G20: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union is the 20th member, represented by the European Commission and the European Central Bank.
Why is Germany important?
The German government is now officially taking over the G20 presidency from China — the host of the 2016 G20 Summit. From now onwards, there will be months of preparations and negotiations in the lead up to the leaders' Summit taking place on the 7th and 8th of July in Hamburg.
Germany has ambitious plans for the G20, and is aiming to use its presidency to help reshape globalization so that it works for everyone. How? By strengthening the stability and resilience of the world economy, by investing in sustainability and innovation, and by increasing the G20’s responsibility toward international development and poverty eradication.
What can the G20 actually achieve?
Given their enormous political and economic power, the G20 have to play a leading role if we are to achieve the Global Goals and end poverty by 2030. They have the power to improve economic opportunities in developing countries and make key investments in education, health care, and women’s empowerment that will lift millions out of poverty.
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And as the biggest refugee crisis since the Second World War continues, the G20 need to take on more responsibility in responding to this growing crisis, the effects of which will be felt for years to come. They need to scale up financial support to ensure all refugees have access to basic services, education, and employment opportunities and they must expand legal pathways available for refugees for resettlement.
If the G20 can come together behind this joint agenda at the summit in Germany, they have a unique opportunity to create a fairer world for everyone and send a strong message for international cooperation.