PITTSBURGH -- The Secret Service will be the lead agency for security when the G-20 economic summit comes to Pittsburgh and will design, coordinate and implement a plan in advance of the Sept. 24-25 event.

Special Agent in Charge James Gehr, of the Secret Service's Pittsburgh office, told WTAE Channel 4 Action News that the Department of Homeland Security declared the G-20 a National Special Security Event.

The White House chose Pittsburgh as the host city for the event, which will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and will include President Barack Obama and heads of state from 20 of the world's biggest economies, such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, China and India.

Photo Slideshow: World Leaders, Protests At G-20 Summit

Last week, Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Michael Huss said the city will bring in police from London to help local police prepare for the G-20. London was the site of the most recent G-20 in April.

Also, some Pittsburgh police officers will go to New York for training with law enforcement in that city in advance of the G-20, Huss said.

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

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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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