G-20 Group

The G20 Group is an international forum for finance ministers, central bank governors, and heads of state from the world's largest economies to coordinate global economic challenges, operating under a rotating presidency with no fixed headquarters. Its 21 members, comprising 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union, collectively represent approximately 85% of global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world's population. Initially addressing financial crises, its mandate expanded to encompass trade, sustainable development, health, climate change, and anti-corruption. Founding figures include former Canadian Finance Minister Paul Martin and former US Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers; Hans Eichel and Caio Koch-Weser were instrumental in defining its membership. The G20 was established in 1999 by Paul Martin and Lawrence Summers.