The G20 as an informal forum is ideal for frank discussions, but the Brisbane Summit must deliver on the two main issues, global economic growth and resilience.

Germany has always been a strong supporter of multilateralism and the governance of global challenges through international institutions and fora. As such, Germany supported the establishment of the G20 as the premier forum for global economic cooperation that brings together industrial countries and emerging economies on an equal footing to address worldwide economic and financial challenges.

Communicating the Benefits

The value of the G20 is threefold. Firstly and most importantly, the G20 offers the heads of state and government from the 20 “systemically important” member states an informal forum for dialogue. Regular discussions facilitate trust and understanding among some very diverse members and act to break political deadlocks in an informal setting, which helps prepare the ground for long-term domestic policy changes beyond concrete summit results.

Secondly, the G20 is able to influence the international economic agenda and provide impetus for reform. Given the high profile of the participants at the Summits, it jointly casts a spotlight on current global economic and financial challenges. Thus, it acts as a global steering committee that identifies topics and works together with existing international organisations in driving positive policy change.

Third, the G20 has proved itself to be a forum that can come together and respond swiftly – for example, serving as source for considerable emergency finance during the recent financial crisis.

Fourthly, the assessment of the G20 is often reduced to its summits – neglecting that the value lies ultimately in being an informal platform for dialogue and a focal point for political impetus. It is therefore important that both leaders and the Australian presidency communicate the added value of the G20 better, clarifying exactly what the forum can and cannot achieve.

Focusing the Agenda

The early enthusiasm towards the G20 in the founding phase has declined over the past years. The last Summits have generally been judged as relatively unsuccessful. Why? Since its upgrade to the leaders’ level in October 2008, the agenda of the G20 has expanded considerably. Many topics beyond immediate crisis management were added, making it difficult to focus and to value the actual outcomes of the Summits. Which is why the Brisbane agenda should focus solely on economic and financial issues. The Australian presidency has already worked towards reducing the problem of “agenda creep”, structuring the agenda around two main issues: global economic growth and resilience of the global economy. It’s important that the G20 delivers on these – in particular, it needs to develop coordinated growth strategies with a clear target for the implementation of the agreed commitments.

The hopes are high for a successful summit in Brisbane, and there have already been many necessary reforms that will improve the role and functionality of the G20. It is now equally important to improve the communication of what the added value and thematic scope of the G20 truly is.

Claudia Schmucker is Head of Program, Globalisation and World Economy Program, German Council on Foreign Relations.

Katharina Gnath is a fellow at Stiftung Neue Verantwortung.

This is an extract from G20: Words into Action Brisbane 2014, to be published by Faircount Media in association with the Australian Institute of International Affairs in October 2014.