So what's the big deal over Singapore's presence at the G20 Summit?

By FLOP, Posted 10 July 2017

The G20, or Group of 20 is an international meeting between leaders of the world’s 20 wealthiest nations i.e. they’re a very influential group. Their key agenda is international economic stability (duh), but countries may also discuss issues like climate change, missile testing, counter-terrorism and so on and so forth.

Countries forming the G20 are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America and the European Union.

Germany is chief for the first time (it rotates across the countries), and plays host.

Why is it important?

Singapore isn’t part of the G20.

However, each year, the host country chooses to invite one or two guest countries to join in the meetings. It usually invites friendly neighbours from its own region. For instance, South Korea has invited Singapore previously. Singapore has also been invited by Australia (along with New Zealand) before.

Germany, interestingly, has invited Singapore to participate in the summit this year.

Singapore is representing the Global Governance Group (or 3G), an informal group of 23 smaller-mid-sized United Nations members – formed to protect their interests (in case kena hijacked by bigger boys like G20).

What does it mean for us?

Getting an invitation is hardly patronisation.

It means several things:

- You’re a country they want to reaffirm ties with

- The Group of 20 believes your country is important enough to be represented. They think that whatever you have to say about your economic challenges, the changes you experience in the global economy – matter. You, being there, increases the legitimacy of the G20.

- Surely you will have some pearls of wisdom to dispense, along the sidelines. The fine dining isn’t for free.

In summary, it’s a great honour. We wouldn’t be there if we had behaved like we should know our place in life.



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