Edinburgh will host the globe’s finance ministers and central bank governors in 2027 as part of the UK’s G20 Presidency.
The summit is scheduled to take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 8 and 9 July next year.
Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey confirmed the Scottish capital’s selection today while attending the International Monetary Fund gathering in Bangkok.
The event precedes the main G20 Leaders’ Summit in Manchester later that year.
The gathering marks the 22nd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ meeting. It forms a core feature of the UK’s programme of events across its Presidency year.
The work of the G20 has a documented impact on the UK economy. In recent years, members of the group have initiated thousands of investment projects within the UK, which has led to the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs across various sectors.
This will be the second time the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors G20 meeting has been held in Scotland. The previous occasion was in 2009, when the group convened in St Andrews. During that summit, international financial leaders coordinated global responses to the 2008 financial crisis in an effort to drive economic recovery.
The upcoming 2027 meeting in Edinburgh is expected to involve similar large-scale coordination, with the Prime Minister previously stating his intention to put artificial intelligence at the heart of the UK’s G20 Presidency. This focus will aim to address both the potential of AI for societal good and the management of associated risks to ensure safe development.
The G20 forum brings together 19 of the world’s largest economies, alongside the European Union and the African Union. The collective group represents approximately 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the global population.
Hosting the G20 finance meeting is expected to be a significant logistical operation for the city. Edinburgh’s selection is supported by its existing infrastructure and history of hosting major events, including international arts festivals, sporting fixtures, and large-scale conferences.
Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey commented: “As the UK’s second financial centre, Edinburgh is a fitting host for the G20 finance meeting. Alongside the Leader’s summit in Manchester, and other meetings around the nations and regions, the G20 is a real opportunity for the whole of the UK.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander commented: “The UK’s presidency of the G20 is a huge opportunity for the whole of the country.
“Bringing the world’s finance ministers to Edinburgh recognises our capital’s reputation as a global financial centre.
“This is a significant moment for Edinburgh and the whole of Scotland – the event showcases Scottish innovation and ambition to a global audience.”
The UK Government has stated a determination to ensure the year-long Presidency benefits people in every part of the UK by distributing ministerial meetings across various nations and regions.
The flagship G20 Leaders’ Summit will subsequently take place in Manchester on 27 and 28 November, 2027.
