U.S. Chamber Welcomes the World to Washington as B20 Summit Opens

WASHINGTON - B20 USA leaders Suzanne Clark, Ross Perot Jr., and Kevin Brady kicked off the first B20 summit convened on American soil today by welcoming nearly 5,000 delegates from around the world to the B20 Village at the Wharf in Washington.

The Summit is the premier gathering of the world's top business and policy leaders, with over 90 leading executives and government officials scheduled to speak on B20 stages. Over the Summit's three days, participants will engage in critical discussions, forge new relationships, and strengthen alliances around the Summit's theme of "Accelerating Global Growth."

"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is honored to convene global business and political leaders for the B20 USA Summit," said Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of B20 USA. "At a time when people around the world are looking for greater opportunity and confidence in the future, leaders from across industries and continents are coming together to strengthen partnerships, unlock growth, and demonstrate the power of free enterprise to improve lives."

Growth on the Agenda
Amid heightened geopolitical challenges, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological change, business leaders are gathering around a shared conviction that stronger growth remains essential to expanding opportunity and improving lives.

"It is incredible to see the global private sector gathered in one place," said Ross Perot Jr., Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Co-Chair of B20 USA. "Growth depends on deals being made and bonds being built. This is the moment to identify shared goals, challenges, and areas of opportunity."

The keys to achieving global growth are reflected in the B20 Leaders' Statement, which developed focused, practical recommendations in four areas: economic growth, innovation, trade, and energy. The Leaders' Statement was developed by task forces led by Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel (economic growth), David Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer of Amazon (innovation), Jim Fitterling, Executive Chairman of the Board of Dow (trade), and Scott Strazik, CEO and President of GE Vernova (energy).

"A common principle runs through our recommendations," said the Hon. Kevin Brady, B20 USA Sherpa. "Governments create the strong foundation for prosperity when they establish predictable rules, remove unnecessary barriers, and give business confidence to invest, innovate, hire, and trade."

From Ideas to Action
The B20 has long served as a platform for turning business insight into meaningful impact. This week's summit will bring together leaders committed to strengthening partnerships, advancing practical solutions, and turning ideas into action.

Beyond the policy discussions, the summit reflects the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's longstanding commitment to commercial diplomacy and the power of business to bring people, communities, and economies closer together. That includes Monday's opening ceremony, which will highlight one of America's top exports - our culture and entertainment - with a performance by award-winning artist Jennifer Hudson.

By bringing leaders from around the world together, B20 USA aims to strengthen partnerships, encourage investment, and turn conversations into tangible outcomes that support growth, opportunity, and prosperity in the years ahead.

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About the B20 USA
B20 USA serves as the premier forum for dialogue between the global business community and governments. Bringing together leaders from the world's major economies, B20 USA advances recommendations and partnerships that support economic growth, innovation, trade, energy security, and opportunity.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Its members range from small businesses and local chambers across America to leading industry associations and global corporations. For more than 114 years, the Chamber has advocated for policies that help businesses create jobs, grow, and strengthen communities.