The G20: Thoughts from a summit

The gathering in Pittsburgh this week means different things to different people.

For some it is one of the most important of their career, for others a chance to protest or merely an annoying cause of the homeward bound traffic.

But what do people in Pittsburgh - both visitors and residents alike - make of it all?

I wish we did not have to board up all our windows - I don't think it should be necessary.

There are better ways to protest than smashing our windows!

But it is great they chose Pittsburgh for the G20, and I hope that more good will come of it in the future.

It is wonderful for Pittsburgh - I am honoured that the president chose us for the G20.

It allows us to showcase our successes and reintroduce Pittsburgh to the world.

I am honoured that - as mayor - I get the opportunity to tell Pittsburgh's story.

I am the city's biggest cheerleader!

Delivery is the key word.

We agreed on the principles in London, but now we need delivery on financial regulation and supervision.

We need to do our best to create a level playing field.

The leaders of developed countries at the G20 have a choice: break the climate talks deadlock by providing finance - or not.

Ronald: For me, the G20 means money!

I already put all of Wednesday's pay towards next year's cruise!

Tina: The city is weird right now- eerie and quiet.

This G20 is significant because the developing world is increasingly being seen as an important voice that must be heard.

Not just because it is the right thing to do in terms of addressing the issues of poor countries, but because it is the smart thing to do in terms of building sustained global economic growth.

It is unacceptable that the top 20 countries get to decide what is best for the rest of the world.

That is why I am protesting.

I am also angry at the way people are being treated by the police.

We are bringing the major global economies together here.

It is historic - and a long overdue step.

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