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.

The best of the debate will feature on the official London Summit website.