TheInterviewTimes.com | November 22, 2025 — What is the G20 and why does it matter? This in-depth explainer breaks down the G20’s members, structure, origins, and global influence. Learn how the G20 shapes world economic policy, climate action, financial stability, and major geopolitical decisions affecting billions.
The G20: A Global Forum Shaping 85% of the World Economy
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 22, 2025: The G20, or Group of Twenty, is one of the most influential platforms for global economic cooperation. Representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of world trade, and more than 60% of the global population, the G20 plays a decisive role in steering international financial stability and development.
Formed as an informal platform without a permanent secretariat or legally binding rules, the G20 has evolved into a central arena where major advanced and emerging economies negotiate solutions to shared global challenges. Its flexible structure allows swift coordination during crises and meaningful dialogue on finance, trade, climate, and development—making the question “What is the G20” more relevant than ever for understanding its growing influence and global impact.
Origins: How the G20 Emerged From Crisis
The G20 was founded in 1999 following the Asian financial crisis. It began as a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from the world’s largest economies. Its original mandate was simple yet urgent:
- prevent future global financial shocks,
- expand cooperation beyond the G7, and
- bring emerging economies into decision-making rooms.
The group transformed in 2008, when the global financial crisis prompted the elevation of the G20 to a leaders’ summit, giving heads of state direct control over global economic coordination. This shift marked the G20 as the “premier forum for international economic cooperation.”
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Who Are the Members? The World’s Largest Economies at One Table
The G20 consists of 19 countries, the European Union, and since 2023, the African Union. Members include:
United States, China, India, Germany, France, Japan, United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, Russia, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa + EU + AU.
This geographic and economic diversity ensures the G20 captures the interests of both the Global North and Global South—making it central to debates on trade, climate policy, sustainable development, and global debt.
#G20SouthAfrica #ReKaofela https://t.co/ULRYnC85c5
— G20 South Africa (@g20org) November 21, 2025
How the G20 Works: Presidency, Troika, and Engagement Groups
Each year, a rotating G20 presidency sets the agenda and hosts ministerial meetings, culminating in the annual leaders’ summit. The presidency collaborates with a troika—the previous, current, and next chairs—to ensure continuity across years.
Beyond governments, the G20 engages with global communities through structured groups such as:
- B20 (Business)
- C20 (Civil society)
- L20 (Labour)
- Y20 (Youth)
International institutions like the IMF, World Bank, WTO, and UN provide research and policy support, reinforcing the G20’s influence on global governance.
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Why the G20 Matters in 2025 and Beyond
Understanding “What is the G20” is crucial in today’s multipolar world. With accelerating economic disparities, climate emergencies, and geopolitical tensions, the G20 remains a vital mechanism for:
- Coordinated responses to global crises
- Climate finance and energy transitions
- Debt restructuring for vulnerable economies
- Digital trade and technology governance
- Strengthening global health architecture
From mobilizing $11 trillion during the COVID-19 pandemic to shaping post-crisis financial reforms, the G20’s decisions directly influence billions of lives.
As Africa hosts the G20 for the first time in 2025, the forum is entering a new era—one where representation, equality, and inclusivity are taking center stage.
What Is the G20: Key Takeaways
- The G20 represents the world’s largest economies, accounting for most global GDP and trade.
- It was founded in 1999 and became a leaders’ summit during the 2008 financial crisis.
- The group has no permanent secretariat; instead, it operates through annual presidencies.
- Its agenda spans economic stability, climate action, global health, and development.