FAQ
What is the G(irls)20 Summit?
The G(irls) 20 Summit is modeled after the G20 Summit, selecting one delegate from each G20 nation plus a representative from the African Union. It will be held from May 24 - 31, 2012 Mexico City, Mexico just before the leaders of the world’s most powerful nations meet at the G20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico.
The agenda for the G(irls)20 Summit will focus on economic innovation and the role girls and women can play in building strong and innovative economies. The delegates will participate in workshops focused on how to utilize social media and technology to communicate globally, media relations, government relations and business planning.
Who is qualified to apply to be a delegate?
Applicants must be 18-20 years of age at the time of the Summit (May 24th to May 31st), and a citizen of one of the G20 Nations or the African Union Chair country, who have expressed a desire to develop solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges and to be catalysts for change in their own communities and countries.
Which countries are in the G20?
G20: Argentina • Australia • Brazil • Canada • China • France • Germany • India • Indonesia • Italy • Japan • Mexico • Russia • Saudi Arabia • South Africa • South Korea • Turkey • UK • USA and a representative of the European Union plus a representative from the African Union Chair country.
Why did you limit the age to 18-20 years?
This is the period of time when a girl faces many issues on her way to becoming a woman.
How do I apply?
By visiting the delegation section of this website. Please note, the delegate application is now closed and the page has been removed.
How are the delegates chosen?
Partnering with more than 50 national and international NGOs and private sector companies we disseminate the application through an aggressive campaign that is both grassroots and high-level.
Applications are accepted via e-mail, courier or by fax.
Delegates are selected from among hundreds of applicants and are chosen based on their responses to questions that focus on leadership, personal triumph and analytical skills.
Why are there 21 girls but it is called G(irls)20?
We have selected one girl from each G20 country but we have also allocated a seat for a girl representing the African Union.
Why are you focusing on the G20 leaders rather than the G8 leaders?
We are focusing on the economic prowess of girls and women. G20 leaders are focusing on the economic challenges facing the world. The G20 leaders can tackle many of the challenges they are facing if they empower girls and women. We see the link and we are hoping to have them see the link as well.
What is the cost of the Summit? Who is funding this Summit?
The costs are kept to a minimum by seeking out in-kind support – for example –Veritas Communications is providing the media and communications support, Google is providing technical platforms and Macroblu is the force behind our amazing website.
Foundations and private sector companies are assisting with the costs of the Summit. Please click here for a complete list of partners.
Will there be other G(irls) 20 Summits?
Plans are underway to have the next Summit in Russia.
Will the girls meet G20 leaders?
The girls will be holding their Summit in advance of the leaders arriving in Mexico. There is no plan at this time for the girls to meet any of the world’s leaders, however we certainly would welcome their participation.
When will the agenda be released?
The agenda will be released approximately 3 weeks before the Summit.
Why did you launch this campaign?
Girls and women are an amazing resource and when included appropriately can make the difference in the health and wealth of their families, communities and countries.
A woman will spend 90% of her earnings on her family, compared to a man who spends only 30%.
Economist after economist and study after study will speak about the significant role girls and women can play in improving the economy of a community and a country.
According to Larry Summers, the former chief economist of the World Bank, “Investment in girls’ education may well be the highest-return investment available in the developing world.”
Educating girls and women leads to higher wages, lower fertility, reduced maternal and child mortality, and better health and education for current and future generations. (Source: Goldman Sachs, Half the Sky)