This children’s news article, What is the G20 Summit? Important world news for kids, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore how countries work together to solve global problems. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer.
What is the G20?
The G20 is a group that brings together 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union. These members have some of the world’s largest or most powerful economies. The group exists not to rank countries, but to make sure those with major influence on global trade, technology, and finance work together to help solve big challenges.
Every year, the leaders of these members meet at a G20 Summit. Other nations and international organisations are also invited. This means a wider range of voices take part in the conversations.
What do leaders talk about at the Summit?
The G20 Summit focuses on global problems that affect many countries. Topics usually include:
- The world economy and how countries trade and create jobs
- Technology and artificial intelligence
- Climate change and protecting the planet
- Health, education, and ways to support developing countries
- Fairness between nations so everyone has a chance to grow
The aim is to find solutions together, since many problems cross borders.
What is happening at the 2025 Summit?
In 2025, the G20 Summit will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 22 and 23 November. This will be the first G20 Summit held on the African continent.
South Africa has chosen the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, which means working as a team, treating countries fairly, and protecting the future of the planet.
Leaders are expected to talk about climate action, global inequality, access to technology, and how countries can prepare for the future.
Some discussions may link closely to ideas already raised at COP30, where world leaders talked about forests, energy, and climate solutions. The G20 looks at similar issues but from a wider angle, including the economy and long-term global planning.
You can read our article about COP30 – What is COP30? A kids’ guide to the world’s climate meeting.
Why does the Summit matter to children?
World Kindness Day is a great time to start Decisions made at the G20 Summit can shape the world young people grow up in.
Decisions on technology use might influence how children learn online. Choices about climate action can affect future weather, oceans, and forests. Economic plans can influence jobs, prices, and international business.
Learning about important meetings like the G20 summit helps us understand how countries solve problems together and why teamwork between nations is important.
To learn more about the G20 and its aims, visit the official G20 website
Article vocabulary list
- Summit – a meeting where leaders gather to discuss major topics.
- Economy – the system of money, trade, and jobs in a country.
- Artificial intelligence – computer technology that can learn or make decisions.
- Inequality – unfair differences between people or countries.
- Sustainability – caring for the planet so future generations can live well.
- International – involving more than one country.
- Developing country – a country working to improve jobs, health, and education.
- Cooperation – working together to reach a common goal.
- Global issue – a problem that affects many countries.
- Theme – the main idea or message of an event.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What does the term G20 refer to in this article?
a) A group of 20 schools
b) A group that includes 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union
c) A team of 20 scientists
Answer: b) A group that includes 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union
2. Why do G20 leaders meet each year?
a) To compete in sports
b) To discuss global challenges and work together
c) To choose a new world leader
Answer: b) To discuss global challenges and work together
3. Where will the 2025 G20 Summit take place?
a) Paris, France
b) Johannesburg, South Africa
c) Seoul, South Korea
Answer: b) Johannesburg, South Africa
4. What is the theme of the 2025 Summit?
a) Science, Sport, Friendship
b) Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability
c) Forests, Oceans, Recycling
Answer: b) Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability
5. Which of these topics is often discussed at the G20?
a) How to design new toys
b) Global trade and technology
c) Which films children should watch
Answer: b) Global trade and technology
6. How is the G20 linked to COP30?
a) Both choose the winner of a competition
b) Both involve countries meeting to discuss the future of the planet
c) Both only focus on forests
Answer: b) Both involve countries meeting to discuss the future of the plane
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
