What is Sherpa in G20?

The Role of Sherpas in the G20: Navigating the Summit Process

Introduction:

The Group of Twenty (G20) is a prominent international forum for economic cooperation and dialogue, bringing together leaders from the world’s major economies. While the leaders themselves hold the final decision-making authority, a group of key individuals plays a crucial role in the behind-the-scenes preparations and negotiations leading up to the G20 Summit. These individuals, known as “sherpas,” are essential in navigating the complex summit process. In this essay, we will explore the role, responsibilities, and significance of sherpas in the G20.

Origins of the Term “Sherpa”:

The term “sherpa” originally refers to a member of an ethnic group native to the Himalayan region, particularly Nepal. Sherpas are renowned for their expertise in mountaineering and guiding climbers through the challenging terrain of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. The term was first used in the context of the G20 by the Canadian government during its presidency of the G20 in 2010, drawing an analogy between the sherpas’ guiding role in the mountains and the guiding role of these individuals in navigating the complex G20 summit process.

The Role of G20 Sherpas:

1. Preparation and Coordination: Sherpas are responsible for preparing the groundwork for the G20 Summit. This involves coordinating efforts among various government departments, ministries, and agencies within their respective countries to ensure a unified and well-informed approach.
2. Negotiations and Drafting: Sherpas engage in extensive negotiations on behalf of their leaders. They work on drafting statements, communiqués, and agreements that will be presented and endorsed at the summit. These documents cover a wide range of economic and financial topics, including trade, finance, development, and climate change.
3. Advising Leaders: Sherpas provide policy advice to their leaders, helping them understand the implications of various policy choices and the potential outcomes of summit discussions. They facilitate informed decision-making by briefing leaders on key issues.
4. Managing Priorities: Sherpas help set the agenda for the G20 Summit by identifying the most pressing global challenges and priorities. They play a central role in determining which topics will be discussed and what specific initiatives or commitments will be pursued.
5. Engaging with Stakeholders: Sherpas interact with various stakeholders, including international organizations, business leaders, civil society representatives, and academics. They gather input and insights from these groups to inform the summit agenda and discussions.
6. Ensuring Consensus: Achieving consensus among G20 members can be challenging due to diverse interests and perspectives. Sherpas work diligently to bridge differences and facilitate agreement on key issues.
7. Logistical Planning: Sherpas are involved in logistical planning for the summit, including coordinating security measures, arranging venues, and managing media interactions.

Key Qualities of Effective Sherpas:

To be effective in their roles, G20 sherpas should possess several key qualities:

1. Diplomacy: Sherpas must excel in diplomacy, as they often navigate complex negotiations and bridge gaps between different countries’ positions.
2. Policy Expertise: A deep understanding of economic, financial, and global issues is essential for providing informed advice and guidance.
3. Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital, as sherpas must convey their leaders’ positions clearly and persuasively to other G20 members.
4. Negotiation Skills: Sherpas engage in intricate negotiations, making negotiation skills crucial for reaching consensus.
5. Leadership: Sherpas lead their national delegations and must be able to make decisions on behalf of their leaders in real-time.

Significance of Sherpas in the G20:

1. Efficiency: Sherpas streamline the summit process by conducting preparatory work, allowing leaders to focus on high-level discussions and decisions during the summit itself.
2. Continuity: Sherpas provide continuity in G20 discussions, as leaders may change due to elections or political transitions. Sherpas ensure that the summit’s goals and priorities remain consistent.
3. Inclusivity: Sherpas engage with various stakeholders, promoting inclusivity and gathering diverse perspectives to inform the summit’s agenda and outcomes.
4. Negotiation Expertise: Sherpas’ negotiation skills and deep knowledge of policy issues are instrumental in reaching agreements and advancing global economic cooperation.
5. Real-Time Decision-Making: Sherpas have the authority to make real-time decisions on behalf of their leaders during the summit, facilitating timely responses to emerging issues.

Conclusion:

G20 sherpas play a vital role in the success of the G20 Summit by navigating the complex terrain of international economic cooperation. Their expertise in diplomacy, policy, and negotiation ensures that leaders can engage in productive discussions and make informed decisions. As the G20 continues to address pressing global challenges, sherpas will remain essential in shaping policies and initiatives that promote economic growth, stability, and cooperation on a global scale. Their behind-the-scenes efforts exemplify the spirit of collaboration and multilateralism that underpin the G20’s mission to address the world’s most significant economic issues.