The G20 is a yearly meeting of finance ministers of the 20 largest economies.

In the past, these countries met once a year to talk about financial issues, but this special meeting was called to deal with the global financial crisis. This meeting includes the leaders of the countries as well as their finance ministers. The hope is that some solutions to the global financial crisis can be found.

But we can't just bail out the bankers at this meeting.

It is important that the needs of the world's poorest people in the poorest nations are considered when these countries meet - after all the global financial crisis is hitting the poorest very hard.

Take action to ask Prime Minister Harper to help the world's poorest.

Introductory info on the G20

The G20 countries include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic (EU Presidency), France, Germany,  India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United States. 

(If you count you will find that there are more than 20 countries invited - the name 'G20' is not entirely accurate)

Here's an introductory question and answer article from the Guardian newspaper in the UK : "G20 Q&A"

Some opinion pieces published in the run up to the G20, calling on the richer nations to help out the world's poorest:

- Financial Times "Do not leave Africa in a scramble"

- Irish Times: "Plans to stimulate global economy must protect poorest"

- Bob Geldof on Africa at the G20 (Youtube)