Can a G-25 Provide Effective Global Governance?

Major global issues in the 21^st Century:

1. Resolving international conflicts peacefully.

2. Providing economic prosperity for all.

3. Protecting the natural environment.

4. Regulating the global financial system.

5. Supporting a healthy global culture.

Major accomplishments of the U.N.:

1. World Health Organization.

2. Millennium Development Goals.

3. East Timor.

Major problems with the U.N.

1. General Assembly – Africa has 53 votes while North America has 3.

2. Security Council veto.

Major benefits of the G-20

1. Includes representatives from countries with 65% of the world’s population producing 90% of Gross World Product (see www.g20.org).

2. A group small enough (19 countries plus the European Union) to allow for meaningful discussion, negotiation and agreements.

Major problems with the G-20

1. 35% of the world’s population producing 10% of GWP not represented.

2. No standing organization.

Recommendations:

1. Increase the G-20 to G-25 to provide representation for the 35% of the world’s population not represented in the G-20.

2. Create a permanent G-25 organization led by world leaders not representing any nationality (e.g. Bill Gates) to focus attention on major long-term global issues.