This is a real puzzle. Gordon Brown has just sent out his invite list for the G20, which, once Britain is included, runs to 22 countries. I think it is because Spain and the Netherlands have been invited this time. Even so, you have to wonder why it is still called the G20. So far the UK bumpf has promoted it as the “London Summit”, which may be a cover for the arithmetic issues. It would be easy enough to rename it the G22 — after all we there have been G22 and even G33 meetings in the past. But G22 does sound a bit like a fighter plane. And if you put G22 into google, it comes up with this rather scary looking gun. Probably best to leave things as they are. Long live the 22 members of the G20.
Here is the full Downing Street statement.
The Prime Minister has now issued formal invitations to world leaders to attend the London Summit on stability, growth and jobs taking place on 2 April.
Reflecting the participation at the Washington Summit, the Prime Minister has invited the Heads of State from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic (EU Presidency), France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United States. To ensure balanced regional representation the Chair of The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the Chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the President of the EU Commission are also invited. The Chairman of the African Union Commission will also attend.
In addition, the Prime Minister is also inviting the heads of a number of global institutions to contribute to specific parts of the agenda.
The Prime Minister said:
“The global economic challenges we face need to be met with decisive action if we are to secure jobs, restore confidence and reinvigorate growth. To be effective in addressing this global crisis we have to bring in partners from across the world. For that reason I have issued invitations to the leaders of G20 countries and the Chairs of NEPAD and ASEAN, as well as other international organisations. Having the world’s poorest countries represented by NEPAD, ASEAN and the African Union will ensure their interests are not forgotten and their voices are heard. Having this mix of countries and international organisations present not only reflects the new reality of the global economy but will also make any action we take more effective.”
The Prime Minister has now issued formal invitations to world leaders to attend the London Summit on stability, growth and jobs taking place on 2 April.
Reflecting the participation at the Washington Summit, the Prime Minister has invited the Heads of State from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic (EU Presidency), France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United States. To ensure balanced regional representation the Chair of The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the Chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the President of the EU Commission are also invited. The Chairman of the African Union Commission will also attend.
In addition, the Prime Minister is also inviting the heads of a number of global institutions to contribute to specific parts of the agenda.
The Prime Minister said:
“The global economic challenges we face need to be met with decisive action if we are to secure jobs, restore confidence and reinvigorate growth. To be effective in addressing this global crisis we have to bring in partners from across the world. For that reason I have issued invitations to the leaders of G20 countries and the Chairs of NEPAD and ASEAN, as well as other international organisations. Having the world’s poorest countries represented by NEPAD, ASEAN and the African Union will ensure their interests are not forgotten and their voices are heard. Having this mix of countries and international organisations present not only reflects the new reality of the global economy but will also make any action we take more effective.”
