Road to Hangzhou: Treasury Secretary Lew on what to expect at the G20 summit

From the first G20 leaders’ summit in 2008 to this year’s G20 meeting in Hangzhou, China, the U.S. has engaged deeply with the world’s major economies, playing a leading role in crisis and post-crisis global economic management. Top agenda issues have included global governance in times of economic crisis, promoting inclusive global growth, securing commitments to avoid the targeting of exchange rates for competitive purposes, strengthening financial regulation, combating terrorist financing, mobilizing funding for sustainable infrastructure, promoting financial inclusion, and tackling ‘global public goods’ issues – from climate change mitigation and adaptation to ending poverty and reducing inequality.

On August 31, the Global Economy and Development program and the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy at Brookings hosted Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew, who offered a preview of the G20 leaders’ summit and explain U.S. priorities for Hangzhou. Following an introduction by Global’s Vice President Kemal Derviş, Secretary Lew delivered remarks, followed by a conversation with David Wessel, director of the Hutchins Center and senior fellow in Economic Studies. After the discussion, Secretary Lew took questions from the audience.