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Summit aims

What the London Summit was for

On 2 April 2009, world leaders from the G20 countries – representing 85% of the world’s output – met in London. They met against the backdrop of the worst international banking crisis in generations.


The London Summit took place at a time when the world confronts the worst economic crisis since the Second World War.

Building on the outcome of the Washington Summit in November 2008, the aims of the London summit were to bring together leaders of the world’s major economies and key international institutions to take the collective action necessary to stabilise the world economy and secure recovery and jobs.  

Real action was agreed at the London Summit including detailed commitments to strengthen the financial system and additional resources amounting to 1.1 trillion dollars to support jobs and growth across the World.  Full details are set out in the communiqué and our explanatory guide.

The London Summit was chaired by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown as the UK currently has the Chair for the G20 Finance Ministers meeting.  A follow up to the London Summit is expected to be held in autumn 2009 after which the Chair of the G20 will pass to South Korea.



Global plan for recovery and reform: the Communiqué from the London Summit

G20 leaders (ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP/Getty Images)

The decisions made by the leaders of the world's largest economies at the London Summit are recorded in the communiqué which all leaders signed on April 2nd

Explanatory guide to the communiqué

Supporting London Business (Getty Images)

The explanatory guide has more information about the decisions on issues. Including: financial regulation, economic growth, global trade and helping the world’s poorest.

Key achievements ahead of the London Summit

Indian worker welds subway car, destined for India, at a factory in Germany for a Canadian company. © Getty Images

In the run-up to the London Summit, there have been several key achievements. Preparatory meetings have made considerable progress in reaching agreement on some of the key issues.

Washington Summit

Stock index at a securities company, Jilin Provices, China. © Getty Images

The G20 leaders met in Washington in November 2008 to discuss the challenges facing the world economy. They’ll meet again at the London Summit to build on the commitments made in Washington and set a course for world economic stability and recovery.

The economic crisis

Auction of foreclosed homes annoucnement sign in front of a house in California. © Getty Images

A series of financial market events has culminated in the worst international banking crisis in generations. Despite unprecedented interventions by governments, the crisis triggered a global economic downturn necessitating further action.

Key documents

Students. © Getty Images

Agreements made at the London Summit and the G20 Finance Minsters meeting that laid the foundations for the summit are recorded in the communiqués Leaders and Finance Ministers signed at these meetings.

Forthcoming events: 2009

EU Spring Council (Picture courtesy The Council of the European Union)

In response to the London Summit, governments of the G20 nations have agreed to take action to accelerate recovery and reform. Here are some key events to look out for in 2009.

Key stepping stones to the London Summit

Job seekers at a first job fair, Beijing, China. © Getty Images

Find out about key events in the lead up to the London Summit.