Pittsburgh hosting G-20 summit has been relative success — so far

In dramatic contrast, Pittsburgh today has a growing reputation as a center of high-technology research, development and manufacturing, with current emphasis on energy-efficient facilities. This green dimension was a crucial ingredient in persuading President Obama to hold the summit there.

Pittsburgh unemployment today is under 8 percent, still high but below the national average. By contrast, in the early 1980s the city led the nation with unemployment over 17 percent. The Economist Intelligence Unit has described Pittsburgh as the most livable city in the United States.

Early in the week, Bill Gates of Microsoft dedicated a computer science complex at Pittsburgh's Carnegie-Mellon University, which along with the University of Pittsburgh has served as a crucial economic catalyst. Apple, Google, Intel and other computer giants have all built campus research facilities as well. The Disney Corporation also recently joined this heavy-duty corporate population. The very seriousness of the continuing global financial crisis encourages a relatively open approach by representatives of the IMF, WTO, World Bank and the nations which comprise them. Modern presidents and prime ministers have the uniform challenge of maintaining public support, with economic management a central challenge. In this context, Pittsburgh has been an inspiring as well as appropriate G-20 host.

Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and author of “After the Cold War.” He can be reached at acyr@carthage.edu.

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