B20 USA Rings Nasdaq Bell Ahead of First U.S. Summit

B20 Sherpa Kevin Brady rang the Nasdaq opening bell in New York City on Monday, marking a milestone on the road to the first B20 Summit ever convened in the United States.

The summit, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC, runs November 9-11. The B20 USA describes itself as the premier gathering of the world's top business and policy leaders, representing countries and businesses that account for 85% of global GDP.

Brady, former Chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, was welcomed at the podium by Nasdaq Executive Vice Chairman and U.S. Chamber Board member Edward Knight. He was joined by B20 USA Secretariat Justin Waller, U.S. Chamber Chief International Officer Joshua Walker, and U.S. Chamber and B20 Head of Communications Jessica Boulanger, along with ambassadors, diplomats and representatives from corporate partners.

"The B20 Summit will be an historic event—this year is the first time this summit has convened in the U.S. Coinciding with America's 250th birthday, B20 will showcase the strength of American business and free enterprise," Brady said. "It will be a platform for American business leaders to strengthen commercial relationships with our global partners. Attendees will have direct access to business leaders and policymakers from the countries and businesses that make up three-quarters of global trade, all in one place."

The bell ceremony brought the B20's global business agenda to the heart of the world's financial capital. The organization framed the event as highlighting the private sector's role in advancing investment, strengthening commercial relationships, and accelerating global growth.

Before the opening bell, Brady appeared on CNBC's "Squawk Box" to discuss the work of the B20 USA Task Forces. He laid out the stakes for governments wrestling with rapid technological and economic change.

"These governments are challenged with innovation, AI, energy, and workforce," Brady said. "This is business leaders bringing policy recommendations to these governments, as well as doing investment deals and having a big summit at The Wharf in November. So it's exciting to help them shape a pro-growth agenda," he said.

The November gathering aims to bring together top private sector and government officials to shape policy and advance deals that drive global growth.

Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Côte d'Ivoire were among the nations represented at the ceremony. Corporate partners in attendance included S&P Global, Bayer, Kalshi and Visa.

With a first-ever U.S. hosting, an anniversary-year backdrop and a task force agenda spanning AI, energy and workforce policy, the November summit will test whether the B20 can convert its convening power into concrete investment deals between the world's largest trading partners.