What is the Model G20?
The Model G20 Summit is the first and only fully-accurate simulation of the annual G20 Leaders’ Summit. At a time of uncertainty and turmoil in multilateral cooperation, Model G20 provides graduates, undergraduates, and young professionals with a unique opportunity to develop critical skills in multilateral negotiation, public speaking, team strategy, and diplomacy.
Young leaders who participate in our Model G20 Summit can anticipate an action-packed weekend full of professional networking, unparalleled speakers, and high-level discussion on the most pressing global issues. Come get a taste of the life of a diplomat. Are you ready to take charge of global governance?
To learn more about the history of the G20, click here.
Three Negotiating Tracks
Mirroring its real world counterpart, negotiations at the Model G20 Summit are organized along two parallel tracks: the “Sherpa track” and the “Finance track.” Each track meets separately, negotiating political and economic topics to simulate pre-Leaders Summit meetings hosted throughout the year by the real G20. The goal of these meetings is to discuss which ideas and topics will be included in the consensus-based Communiqué document.
Leaders Track:
Lead the Delegation and represent them at Leaders’ Summit
Assist in cohesion between Sherpa and Finance Tracks
Discuss a cross-cutting global topic
Sherpa Track
The Spring 2023 Summit topics will be:
Organizing Health Architecture during COVID-19 Recovery
Inclusive Approach to Migration Flows
Finance Track
The Spring 2023 Summit topics will be:
Strengthening Global Supply Chains
Anti-Corruption in the Global Economy
Delegates are challenged to balance their attention between formal debate and critical informal negotiation. During the final session of our Model G20 Summit, all participants in both tracks come together and replicate the real G20 Leaders’ Summit where a consensus document is adopted.
Delegation Composition & Awards
Additional awards will also be given out to high-performing delegates and teams:
Best Delegate in Sherpa Track
Outstanding Delegate in the Sherpa Track
Best Delegate in the Finance Track
Outstanding Delegate in the Finance Track
Best Leader
Outstanding Leader
Best Delegation (1st place team award)
Outstanding Delegation (2nd place team award)
Speakers & Symposium
Each year the Model G20 Summit features exceptional keynote and expert speakers. We also offer a symposium event where attendees can interact and participate in discussions with G20 practitioners. Past speakers have included high-ranking diplomats, former G20 practitioners and representatives from the US State Department, World Bank Group, Bookings Institution, International Labor Organization, Council on Foreign Relations, and Google.
Each delegation is composed of 5-7 delegates. Each must have a Leader to head the delegation throughout the Summit. In the Sherpa Track, there is a Sherpa and Sous Sherpa (deputy). In the Finance Track, there is a Finance Minister and a Central Bank Governor (deputy). The 6th and 7th delegates in a delegation will act as "Senior Advisors" and will work with both the Finance and Sherpa Tracks. All delegates receive a certificate at the end of the simulation.
Location & Venue
The Model G20 Summit was developed by the School of International Service at American University, which was recently ranked #8 in the United States for its graduate programs and #9 for undergraduate education. Our campus is nestled in the heart of Embassy Row, minutes from downtown Washington, DC. In 1963, it was the host of JFK’s historic “A Strategy of Peace” commencement speech.
Almost all of our meetings will be held in the state-of-the-art LEED Gold-certified School of International Service building. The American University campus is an arboretum and is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful urban campuses in the United States. The DC Metro is conveniently accessible via a free campus shuttle to a dedicated American University stop.
Cultural Event
The Model G20 Summit aims to leverage its position in the heart of Washington, DC to provide participants with an enriching cultural experience during the Summit. During the Argentine Presidency, we were honored to partner with the Embassy of Argentina which hosted a wonderful night of delicious food, exciting dancing, and beautiful cultural exchange.
This year’s event will be announced soon, so please look for more information in our email updates. Remember, this rare and exciting cultural experience will only be available to Model G20 participants, so don’t miss out.
Fueling Diplomacy
International diplomacy can really work up an appetite, and the best negotiation often happens over a meal. After a late night around the negotiation table, a cup of fresh coffee can provide you the energy to devise a unique solution to a global problem. The Model G20 Summit is excited to offer a complimentary lunch on Saturday, as well as access to free snacks and coffee throughout the summit.