The Group of Twenty (G20) is an international forum established in 1999 to bring together the world’s major advanced and emerging economies to discuss and coordinate global economic policies. Comprising 19 countries and the European Union, the G20 represents around 85% of global GDP, over 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population. Its primary goal is to promote international financial stability and sustainable growth through dialogue and cooperation among member states. The forum addresses a wide range of global issues, including trade, investment, innovation, employment, energy, climate change, and development. Each year, the G20 presidency rotates among members, setting the agenda and hosting the annual Leaders’ Summit, where heads of state and government work to shape collective responses to pressing global challenges. The G20 also engages with civil society, youth, and business groups through outreach programs to ensure inclusivity and transparency in policymaking. Ultimately, the G20 serves as a vital platform for fostering global economic resilience, strengthening multilateralism, and driving progress toward equitable and sustainable development.
Here is what you need to know to excel and navigate yourself during the debate sessions:
1. Meetings:
a) The G20 primarily holds formal meetings during its annual Leaders’ Summit. However, the G20 can also convene special or emergency sessions as needed.
b) The G20 focuses on plenary discussions and structured debates regarding global economic, social, and political challenges in today’s world.
2. Forms and Rules of Debate:
In debate sessions, delegates must abide by certain regulations that give all participants the opportunity to speak and highlight points that could play a crucial role in the construction of resolutions. They are:
• Moderated Caucuses: The Chair of the G20 calls on speakers to address the committee from a speakers’ list during moderated caucuses, which are the primary forum for discussion in the body. This enables targeted and organized discussion on the current issue.
• Unmoderated Caucuses: Delegates can freely debate and work out resolutions or amendments in unmoderated caucuses by teaming up, drafting sample resolutions, and having discussions themselves regarding points in the topic being addressed. This is less formal and promotes diplomacy behind closed doors.
• Speakers’ List: Following the official start of the discussion, delegates can seek to be added to the speakers’ list in the order that the chair designates.
• Time Limits: One to two minutes is the usual time restriction allotted to each speaker. The delegate making the motion to advance to the moderated or unmoderated caucus can set the time limit, or the committee can vote to modify it as needed.
3. The Chair of G20
In the committee, the Chair oversees and manages the flow of discussion, ensuring that all delegates have a fair opportunity to express their views and that the debate remains focused on the topic at hand. The Chair also maintains decorum throughout the sessions and ensures that motions are properly introduced and voted upon. They are responsible for managing speaking time, recognizing delegates to speak, and supervising the voting process. By keeping discussions organized and productive, the Chair helps steer the committee toward meaningful and well-structured resolutions.
4. The President of G20
The President of the committee holds a more formal and overarching leadership role, representing the G20 on a global level. The President ensures that the committee’s work aligns with the overall goals and guiding principles of the G20 and the broader objectives of international cooperation. In some cases, they may have the authority to shape the agenda, provide strategic direction, or intervene in debates when necessary to maintain order or refocus discussions on key priorities.
5. Resolutions
The G20 drafts resolutions to address a wide range of global issues, including economic stability, sustainable development, trade, climate action, and international cooperation. G20 resolutions are non-binding, serving as policy recommendations and frameworks for collective action rather than legal obligations for member states. Draft resolutions are proposed by one or more member countries, then debated, revised, and voted upon to reach a consensus.
Resolution Clauses consist of:
• Preambulatory clauses: These provide background information on the discussed topic and establish the context needed for delegates to form their positions and arguments during debate.
• Operative clauses: These specify the concrete actions, initiatives, or policy commitments that the G20 aims to undertake or encourage among its members.
Amendments: Resolutions can be modified through a formal amendment process. Amendments must be reviewed, debated, and approved by a majority of the G20 delegates before being officially adopted.
An Illustration of the Process of a G20 Session’s Opening:
The President announces the agenda topic (such as global economic recovery, climate change, sustainable development, or trade cooperation) and formally opens the meeting.
Parliamentary Procedure in G20
Like other international forums, the G20 operates according to structured parliamentary procedures. These rules ensure organized debate, impartial decision-making, and equal participation of all member states. The G20’s main parliamentary procedures are outlined below:
• Roll Call: Conducted at the start of each session to confirm the presence of all delegates.
• Setting the Agenda: A motion used to determine the order in which topics will be addressed.
• Speakers’ List: A list of delegates who wish to speak on the current agenda item.
Caucuses:
• Moderated Caucus: A structured form of debate in which the Chair recognizes speakers to address specific subtopics or issues.
• Unmoderated Caucus: An informal session that allows delegates to collaborate freely, negotiate policies, and draft or revise resolutions.
Motions:
• Motion to Open Debate: A proposal to officially begin discussion on a topic.
• Motion to Close Debate: A motion to conclude debate and proceed to voting.
• Motion to Introduce a Resolution: Used to formally present a draft resolution to the committee.
• Motion to Amend: A proposal to modify, add, or remove parts of a draft resolution.
• Right to Reply: A delegate’s request to respond to an offensive or inaccurate statement made during a speech.
• Motion to Suspend the Meeting: A motion to temporarily pause proceedings, often for a recess or informal discussion.
• Motion to Adjourn the Meeting: A motion to officially end the session for the day.
• Motion to Reconsider: A proposal to reopen debate on a previously voted-upon matter.
• Motion to Approach the Chairing Panel: A request for permission to approach the Chair to ask procedural questions or clarifications.
Points:
• Point of Information: A question directed at another delegate regarding their statement or national policy.
• Point of Personal Privilege: A request to address a personal matter such as discomfort, inability to hear, or the need for a short break.
• Point of Order: A call to correct a procedural mistake or rule violation.
Voting:
• Voting on Resolutions: Substantive issues require a two-thirds majority for adoption, while procedural matters are decided by a simple majority.
• Abstentions: Delegates may abstain from voting, which is not counted as a negative vote.
• Voting Format: Votes are typically conducted by a show of placards or roll call, with options to vote “yes,” “no,” or “abstain.”
Amendments:
Amendments in the G20 refer to proposed changes to a draft resolution to improve clarity, accuracy, or inclusivity. Delegates may amend resolutions by adding, deleting, or rewording clauses to better align with their country’s stance or to promote consensus. Amendments must be written clearly and submitted to the Chair for approval. Once accepted, they are debated and voted upon by the committee.
NOTES:
• Delegates must strictly adhere to the rules of parliamentary procedure throughout debates.
• Avoid personal pronouns and refer to others formally as “the delegate of [country].”
Sample Resolution:
Committee: Group of Twenty (G20)
Resolution: Global Economic Recovery through Sustainable Growth
Main Submitters: Canada, Japan
Co-Submitters: Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, South Africa
The Group of Twenty (G20),
Operative Clauses:
Here is all the information you need to fully comprehend the topics you will later debate and discuss in your committee’s session:
Topic 1: Addressing the Impact of Debt-Trap Diplomacy: Ensuring Safe Lending Practices and Economic Sovereignty for Developing Nations.
1. Summary
Debt-trap diplomacy has emerged as a growing concern for many developing nations, where large-scale loans from powerful countries or international lenders create long-term dependency and loss of economic sovereignty. These loans, often tied to infrastructure or strategic development projects, can burden recipient countries with unsustainable debt, forcing them to concede control over key assets, natural resources, or political decisions. The issue has sparked global debate about the ethics of international lending and the need for transparency and accountability in financial agreements. Developing nations facing heavy debt loads often experience reduced fiscal freedom, weakened governance, and slowed economic growth. Addressing this challenge requires promoting fair and responsible lending practices, enhancing debt management capacity, and encouraging international cooperation to ensure that financial aid and investment serve as tools for sustainable development rather than instruments of control.
2. Main Entities Involved
· China: The primary nation associated with debt-trap diplomacy through its Belt and Road Initiative, offering large infrastructure loans to developing nations that sometimes lead to debt distress and strategic concessions.
· United States: A leading critic of China’s lending practices, promoting global financial transparency, debt sustainability, and fair lending standards through institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
· Japan: A major creditor nation providing development assistance with strict accountability standards, emphasizing sustainable and transparent infrastructure financing as an ethical alternative to high-risk loans.
· India: Advocates for economic sovereignty and sustainable regional development, often countering China’s influence in South Asia and Africa by offering fairer financial partnerships and investment models.
· South Africa: Represents the perspective of developing nations within the G20, raising awareness about the risks of debt dependency and calling for equitable, transparent, and mutually beneficial financial cooperation.
3. Timeline of Events
· 1999: China launches the Go Out policy, encouraging state-owned enterprises to invest abroad, marking the early stages of large-scale overseas lending.
· 2013: The Belt and Road Initiative is officially announced by China, aiming to strengthen global infrastructure and trade links later raising global concerns about debt dependency among developing nations.
· 2017: Sri Lanka leases the Hambantota Port to China for 99 years after being unable to repay debts, becoming the most cited example of debt-trap diplomacy.
· 2018–2020: Growing scrutiny from G20 members particularly the U.S., Japan, and India leads to calls for transparency and debt sustainability in global lending practices. The Debt Service Suspension Initiative is launched by the G20 to support low-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
· 2021–2023: Several African and Asian nations face debt crises linked to large foreign loans. The G20 strengthens discussions on “Common Framework for Debt Treatments” to prevent further economic distress.
· 2024–2025: G20 nations intensify cooperation to ensure responsible lending, promote debt transparency, and safeguard developing nations’ economic sovereignty while encouraging balanced global investment and infrastructure growth.
4. Resources & Debate
Key Resources:
· G20, Debt Sustainability Framework for Developing Countries, 2020 – outlines principles for responsible lending, transparency, and debt management among member states. https://www.g20.org
· International Monetary Fund (IMF), Global Debt Database, 2023 – provides comprehensive data and analysis of public and private debt, including vulnerabilities of developing nations. https://www.imf.org/en/Data
· World Bank, Debt Transparency in Developing Economies, 2021 – examines sovereign debt structures, risks of opaque lending, and recommendations for sustainable financing practices. https://www.worldbank.org
· Center for Global Development, Examining Debt-Trap Diplomacyby John Hurley, Scott Morris & Gailyn Portelance, 2018 – analyzes Chinese lending through the Belt and Road Initiative and its implications for developing countries. https://www.cgdev.org
· Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Implications for Global Debt and Development, 2022 – explores economic and geopolitical impacts of debt diplomacy on developing nations and G20 policymaking. https://www.cfr.org
Topic 2: Mitigating the Effects of Protectionist Trade Policies: International Strategies to Prevent Economic Conflicts and Promote Global Growth.
1. Summary
Protectionist trade policies, such as tariffs, import quotas, and subsidies for domestic industries, have been increasingly used by nations to safeguard local markets and industries. While these measures can provide short-term economic benefits, they often disrupt global supply chains, reduce international trade efficiency, and provoke retaliatory measures, leading to economic conflicts. Developing and developed nations alike face challenges from rising protectionism, including slower growth, higher consumer prices, and strained diplomatic relations. The issue has gained urgency amid global economic uncertainty, regional trade disputes, and the resurgence of nationalist economic policies. Addressing this challenge requires international cooperation, adherence to World Trade Organization rules, and the development of multilateral strategies that balance national economic interests with sustainable global growth.
2. Main Entities Involved
· United States:Frequently implements tariffs and trade restrictions to protect domestic industries, while also shaping global trade rules through bilateral and multilateral agreements.
· China: Uses trade policies, subsidies, and regulatory measures to support domestic industries and promote strategic economic growth, often leading to tensions with major trading partners.
· European Union (EU):Acts as a collective trading entity, implementing common external tariffs and enforcing trade standards, while negotiating trade agreements to balance internal and external economic interests.
· India: Employs protective trade measures to support domestic industries and agriculture, while actively engaging in multilateral trade discussions to safeguard economic sovereignty.
· Brazil: Uses import tariffs and trade policies to protect national industries, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, and participates in international trade negotiations to defend developing country interests.
3. Timeline of Events
· 1930: The Great Depression leads to widespread adoption of protectionist policies, including high tariffs and import restrictions, which exacerbate global economic contraction.
· 1947: Establishment of the “General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade” to promote free trade and reduce tariffs, laying the foundation for modern multilateral trade systems.
· 1995: Formation of the World Trade Organization, strengthening international mechanisms for dispute resolution and enforcement of trade agreements.
· 2008–2009: Global financial crisis prompts some nations to adopt temporary protectionist measures to safeguard domestic industries and employment, raising concerns about trade retaliation.
· 2018–2020:U.S.-China trade war escalates, with tariffs imposed on hundreds of billions of dollars of goods, triggering global economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions.
· 2021–2023: Increased use of export restrictions, localized subsidies, and industrial policies worldwide, particularly in key sectors like technology, energy, and agriculture, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing national and global economic interests.
· 2024–2025: G20 nations intensify discussions on coordinated strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of protectionism, strengthen multilateral trade agreements, and promote global economic growth and stability.
4. Resources & Debate
Key Resources:
· World Trade Organization (WTO), World Trade Report 2023 – Provides detailed data and analysis on global trade trends, tariff policies, and the economic impacts of protectionism. https://www.wto.org
· Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Trade Policy Studies: Global Trade and Protectionism, 2022 – Examines recent protectionist measures, their effects on economic growth, and policy recommendations. https://www.oecd.org
· International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Economic Outlook: Trade and Global Growth, 2023 – Assesses the macroeconomic consequences of trade restrictions and provides policy guidance for multilateral cooperation. https://www.imf.org
· Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), The Rising Tide of Protectionism: Implications for Global Trade, 2021 – Scholarly analysis of the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies for protectionist trade policies. https://www.piie.com
· United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Trade and Development Report 2022 – Focuses on trade conflicts, protectionism, and strategies for sustainable global economic growth. https://unctad.org
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