The UK’s plans for its 2027 G20 Presidency are starting to take shape. At the UN General Assembly this month, Prime Minister Andy Burnham put AI firmly on the agenda for the UK Presidency, with a focus on how countries can work together to make the most of the opportunities whilst managing the risks. His speech also linked the international agenda back to growth, jobs and reindustrialisation at home – a theme we expect to see more of as the government develops its plans.
The CBI also joined a discussion at Ditchley Park in September on the UK’s G20 Presidency, alongside government, international and civil society representatives. There was a strong focus on the importance of practical progress, with all attendees emphasising the need of being realistic about what the UK’s G20 Presidency can achieve. Economic resilience and security featured prominently, alongside trade and supply chains, AI and skills, energy and food security. There was also discussion about how the Presidency can reach beyond London and support the UK’s wider investment story.
Preparing for the UK’s B20 Presidency
All of this is feeding into our own preparations for the B20. We are working through the policy priorities for the year and speaking to businesses and our international counterparts about where the B20 can add most value. The challenge will be turning some of these big global issues into practical recommendations that businesses across the G20 can get behind, while making sure the programme reflects the issues that matter to UK firms.
Our next big milestone is the B20 USA Summit in Washington D.C. in November, where the CBI will formally take over the B20 Presidency from our US sister federation, the US Chamber of Commerce. We are putting together a senior UK business delegation for Washington and will use the Summit to start building relationships with our international counterparts ahead of the UK year.
We are also now talking to businesses about partnership opportunities for the UK B20 Presidency. There has already been strong interest, but there are still opportunities for businesses that want to be closely involved in the year-long programme, whether through the policy work, international engagement or the B20 UK Summit in September 2027.
Help shape the B20 programme
We want members to help shape the B20 programme as it develops. If you have views on the priorities the B20 should tackle, are interested in getting involved in our international activity, or would like to hear more about partnership opportunities, please get in touch with the International team.