ASK: I'm representing a country in the Group of Twenty (G-20). What is the G-20 and are we simulating it at Montana Model UN?

OWEN: The G-20, formally known as the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, is an international financial forum composed of 19 countries and the European Union. For a list of all the G-20 countries, go here. Together, these countries represent make up about 85% of the world's economy (including 90% of global gross national product (GNP) and 80% of world trade). The G-20 meets annualy with a focus on global economic issues, such as the current financial crisis. The upcoming summit will be held this week in Pittsburgh on September 24th and 25th.

The G-20 is not part of the UN, so we won't be simulating it at the MMUN conference. But you should pay attention if you represent one of the G-20 countries. Your county's words and actions at the Pittsburgh summit (and at past meetings) can give useful information for developing your positions and representing your country at the MMUN conference, especially if you're assigned to the General Assembly Second Committee (GA-2) on economic issues. Even if you arn't in the GA-2, your county's economic clout and status as a G-20 member can still figure into debate, if you make it happen.