GROUP OF TWENTY (G20)

INTRODUCTION
The Group of Twenty, commonly known as G20, is a premier international forum for global economic cooperation. For beginners in International Relations, G20 helps in understanding how major economies coordinate on global economic stability, development issues and financial governance. From an OPSC prelims perspective, G20 is an important static topic due to questions on its origin, membership, objectives, structure, and key features.

ORIGIN AND BACKGROUND
• Established in 1999
• Formed in the aftermath of the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997–98
• Created to bring systemically important developed and developing economies together
• Initially functioned at Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors level
• Elevated to Leaders’ Summit level in 2008 after the global financial crisis

HEADQUARTERS AND NATURE
• G20 is not a formal international organization
• It has no permanent headquarters or secretariat
• Presidency rotates annually among members

MEMBERSHIP (VERY IMPORTANT FOR PRELIMS)
G20 consists of 19 countries and the European Union.

Member countries:
• Argentina
• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• China
• France
• Germany
• India
• Indonesia
• Italy
• Japan
• Mexico
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Türkiye
• United Kingdom
• United States

• European Union is the 20th member
• Spain is a permanent invitee

OBJECTIVES OF G20
• Promote global economic stability
• Coordinate macroeconomic policies
• Address financial crises
• Strengthen international financial architecture
• Support sustainable development and inclusive growth

WORKING STRUCTURE
1. SHERPA TRACK
• Deals with development, climate change, education, health, anti-corruption and SDGs

2. FINANCE TRACK
• Deals with macroeconomic coordination, debt relief, financial regulation and global growth

IMPORTANT G20 ENGAGEMENT GROUPS
• Business 20 (B20)
• Think 20 (T20)
• Civil 20 (C20)
• Women 20 (W20)
• Youth 20 (Y20)
• Labour 20 (L20)
• Urban 20 (U20)

INDIA AND G20
• India is a founding member
• India hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2023
• Emphasis on inclusive development and Global South
• Theme of India’s presidency focused on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

CURRENT RELEVANCE
• G20’s role in global debt relief for developing countries
• Coordination on global inflation and growth slowdown
• Focus on climate finance, digital public infrastructure and sustainable development

PRELIMS NOTES AND COMMON CONFUSIONS
• G20 is not a treaty-based organization
• G20 decisions are not legally binding
• G20 includes both developed and developing economies
• IMF and World Bank often provide technical support to G20

CONCLUSION
The G20 has emerged as the most influential forum for global economic governance. For OPSC prelims, it is a high-yield static topic because of its fixed membership and institutional features. A clear understanding of G20’s structure and objectives enables beginners to answer direct factual questions with confidence.

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Subject: International Relation

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