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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the mostly frequently asked questions about our first-of-its-kind Model G20 Summit. If you have a question that isn’t listed below please, contact us.
What is the G20?
The Group of Twenty (G20) is a leading forum of the world’s major economies that seeks to develop global policies to address today’s most pressing challenges, from social development to financial security. Click here to read more about the history of the G20.
What is the Model G20 Summit?
The Model G20 Summit is an innovative program launched by American University’s School of International Service (SIS), designed to fully simulate the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Created in concert with a former high-level diplomat who participated at G20 meetings, this is the first US-based complete and accurate simulation of its real-world counterpart. Click here to read our program overview.
How is Model G20 different from Model United Nations?
In general, Model G20 is much more focused on consensus, informal debate, and candid conversations between world leaders. Delegates will work throughout the weekend with the main goal of reaching a consensus to pass a communiqué that all delegations must agree upon, and the debates are much more discussion-oriented. Click here to view a guide comparing Model G20 to Model United Nations.
What is the difference between the “Sherpa” track and the “Finance” track?
Just like in the real G20, the Model G20 is divided up into two, parallel round-table negotiating tracks. The Sherpa track focuses on political and social issues such as climate change, energy, migration, refugees, and gender equality, while the Finance track focuses on economic and financial issues such as international trade, tariffs, tax cooperation, and the future of work. Delegations are represented in both tracks, and they work in conjunction to pass one final communiqué at the end of the summit.
Who can participate in Model G20?
Our program is open to graduate and undergraduate students from any school and majoring in any subject. We also welcome young professionals. Space is limited and slots go quickly, so click here to register your team today.
What are the benefits of participating in Model G20?
Model G20 provides young leaders with a unique opportunity to develop skills in multilateral negotiations, public speaking, team collaboration, and diplomacy. Active learning better prepares future leaders to solve complex global problems. The experiential and hands-on nature of the Model G20 Summit complements and reinforces theoretical knowledge of diplomacy.
How many people do I need for a Model G20 delegation?
Our delegations have 5-7 people: a Leader, Sherpa, Sous Sherpa, Finance Minister, Central Bank Governor, and additional Yaks (senior advisors). If you are struggling to meet the 5-person minimum, feel free to register as an individual or incomplete team and we will match up other delegates with you to complete your team.
What is a Sherpa, Sous Sherpa, Finance Minister, or Central Bank Governor?
The Sherpa and Sous Sherpa (aid to the Sherpa) serve as the leaders of issues related to pressing political and social issues such as climate change, migration, terrorism, and everything in between. Either of the two sit at the main table of the Sherpa Track in the delegation’s seat during the working sessions in order to speak on key topics and negotiate with other delegations at the table, and the other (or the Yaks) works with delegations outside to write language that can be submitted to the communiqué.
In a similar way, the Finance Minister and Central Bank Governor, working together, serve as the leaders of issues related to relevant economic matters at the main table of the Finance Track. These two delegates handle topics such as global trade, investment, and the future of work, while also negotiating with delegations on language outside.
What is the Leader track and what is the Leader’s role?
The Leader track consists of the Leaders of all of the delegations in the G20 discussing cross-cutting global topics and communicating between their representatives in the two tracks. The head of each respective delegation leads their team of delegates and represents them at the Leaders’ Summit at the end of the weekend.
Do I have to have Model United Nations, Model Arab League, etc. experience?
Not at all! While some of our participants have participated in similar simulations in the past, our program is designed for people with any level of experience. Some participants build their delegations from existing Model United Nations, Model Arab League, Debate, etc. teams and others connect with friends and classmates.
What do I do if I want to participate in the Summit but can’t meet the 5 person minimum for my delegation?
The Model G20 Summit offers the option for delegates to sign up as individuals if they can’t gather 4 other people for their delegation. These delegates will be paired up with other delegates who signed up as individuals and they will be able to participate as an entire delegation during the Summit. It is important to note though, that full delegation registrations will be given priority over individual registrants.
Are there any extra events that we can go to to supplement our experience at the Summit?
The logistical staff for the Model G20 Summit works extremely hard to provide enriching events for all of the delegates. There are numerous speakers that attend the Summit to share their experiences with the delegates, and we’ve have representatives from the World Bank, the OECD, Google, and numerous ambassadors and diplomats. Additionally, we have a cultural event during the Summit, where delegates can mingle and network over hors d'oeuvres.