Building the Model G20
The Model G20 Summit was created at the American University School of International Service (SIS) by former Argentine Ambassador to the United States and G20 Sherpa, Cecilia Nahón, SIS Professor and expert in simulations, Andrew Spath, and other members of the SIS community.
The program was created in response to the demand for an experiential learning program designed to provide students and young professionals with an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills for effective and inclusive multilateral cooperation.
The Model G20 Summit has grown rapidly since its launch event in October 2016. The keynote speaker of that launch event was Angel Gurría, the Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Gurría’s speech emphasized the contributions and challenges of the G20 as well as the importance of the Model G20 Summit saying, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future, and this is why we have the G20 model.” Read more about this event here.
The Summit has shown both proof of concept and high interest, with three successful weekend-long summits taking place during the Octobers of 2017, 2018, and 2019 which included 540 participants from 22 universities, 3 international organizations, and 5 American University schools.
Pilot Program
In March 2017, American University hosted around 100 students and young professionals from eight universities for a one-day pilot simulation of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Participants heard from G20 experts and practitioners including a presentation from the Federal Republic of Germany who presented the main priorities and goals of the German G20 Presidency.
Other speakers included representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), and the American University School of International Service. This event served as a strong proof on concept that guided further development of our program.
Over an arduous planning process that lasted throughout the summer and fall, the Summit was postponed from its usual dates in mid-October to March of 2021, when the Saudi Presidency could be simulated in full. The first (and hopefully, only) fully virtual Model G20 Leaders’ Summit adopted its communique on Sunday, March 14, concluding the Riyadh Summit and ushering in the 2021 Italian Presidency.
Inaugural German Summit
The inaugural 3-day Model G20 Summit was held in October of 2017 and was attended by over 175 undergraduates, graduates, and young professionals from the United States and around the world. Model G20 Staff members representing the German Presidency led delegates in discussion on issues such as climate change, refugees, international trade, and the global economy.
On the final day, students gathered for the Model G20 Leaders’ Summit, where a consensus-based communique was adopted by all delegations. The keynote speaker was Armando Varricchio, the Italian Ambassador to the United States. Other speakers included representatives from the World Bank, Google, the Brooking Institution, and the German Embassy.
2018 Argentine Summit
In October 2018, American University hosted around 200 undergraduates, graduates, and young professionals from the United States and abroad for Argentina’s presidency of the G20. The summit tackled pressing world issues including gender equality, global tax cooperation, and dealt with an imminent public health crisis. Participants praised the multi-track negotiation and simulation design.
During the conference, the Argentine Embassy graciously hosted an exclusive event for our participants. The keynote speaker was the Fernando Oris de Roa, the current Argentine Ambassador to the United States. Other speakers included representatives from the US State Department, AFL-CIO, and the World Bank.
2019 Japanese Summit
In 2019, the Model G20 Summit hosted 189 participants from around the world on October 11-13. The summit took place at American University’s School of International Service. Undergraduates, graduates, and young professionals discussed topics ranging from Future of Trade to Global Health Threats and heard from career diplomats from American University, the Japanese Embassy, and Group of 24.
This year the presidency added a third negotiating track to the conference, “Leader,” to enhance the accuracy of the simulation. This added a delegate to the team that will discuss larger topics about global governance and lead the delegation by creating cohesion between the Sherpa and Finance Tracks.
2021 Virtual Saudi Arabian Summit
When the Covid-19 pandemic forced classrooms and offices online in March, the Model G20 had to adapt. The G20 itself was born out of the 2008 global financial crisis, an informal place for the leaders of the world’s biggest economies to gather and find consensus on the most pressing issues of the time. Taking inspiration from its real-life counterpart, the Model G20 went online, its staff spanning continents as they worked to put together a successful Summit.
Over an arduous planning process that lasted throughout the summer and fall, the Summit was postponed from its usual dates in mid-October to March of 2021, when the Saudi Presidency could be simulated in full. The first (and hopefully, only) fully virtual Model G20 Leaders’ Summit adopted its communique on Sunday, March 14, concluding the Riyadh Summit and ushering in the 2021 Italian Presidency.
2022 Italian Summit
Still feeling the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Spring 2022 Summit staff chose to prioritize student safety by conducting an exercise with increased classroom influence from the School of International Studies instead of a hybrid or virtual event. Keeping true to Summit format however, staff continued to prepare track topics and a simulation of the Italian presidency and worked directly with professors to incorporate these discussions into the classroom environment.
2023 Indian Summit
More information to come! Check back with us soon!