PITTSBURGH -- City, Allegheny County and business leaders continue to hold planning meetings for the Pittsburgh G-20 economic summit at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

The White House picked the city to host the Sept. 24-25 meeting of heads of state from 20 of the world's biggest economies, including Japan, Saudi Arabia, China and India.
Photo Slideshow: World Leaders, Protests At G-20 Summit

On Tuesday, the official Web site -- www.pittsburghg20.org -- was launched to provide constant updates on the city's G-20 preparations.

The Web site also asks for public input at the following "Welcome the World" brainstorming sessions:

• June 19, noon-1:30 p.m., Point Park University, Lawrence Hall, Ballroom
• June 23, noon-1:30 p.m., Robert Morris University, Sewall Center, International Suite
• June 23, 5:30-7 p.m., University of Pittsburgh, Alumni Hall, Connolly Ballroom

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato will co-chair the host committee and plan to hold weekly meetings until the G-20 begins.

Meetings typically involve public safety and public works officials and agencies ranging from the county's airport authority and courts to economic and promotional groups like VisitPittsburgh.

As the event approaches, subcommittees will be established to plan for public safety, communications, hospitality and events, transportation and infrastructure, Onorato said.

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What Is The G-20?

G-20 -- the Group of 20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors -- was established in 1999 "to bring together systemically important industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy," according to its Web site, G20.org.

Countries from all over the world -- including the U.S., Canada, China, France, Germany, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Russia -- are involved in the G-20 summit.

The gathering typically attracts a variety of protestors from around the world. In April, London saw mostly peaceful protests about economic policy, the banking system and bankers' bonuses, climate change concerns and the war on terror.
Photo Slideshow: World Leaders, Protests At G-20 Summit

During the last G-20, a peaceful protest dubbed "Financial Fools' Day" was held April 1 by the Pittsburgh Organizing Group, a local anarchist group. Members and supporters gathered in Market Square before marching around downtown, stopping at several banks and government offices.

More Info: What IS G-20?

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