The G20 summit will open on Friday in Osaka, Japan. The country prepares to host its first G20 summit at a time when geopolitical and economic concerns loom over global stability. 

China-U.S. trade tensions and continued uncertainty over Brexit place downward pressure on the global economy while escalating U.S.-Iran tensions threaten regional stability. 

G20 is one of the largest gatherings of the world leaders with over 30 heads of state/government and international organizations, engaging in a wide range of talks for two days. Some 30,000 participants are expected at the event. 

The focus of the Osaka G20 summit will include trade where some countries are seeking to promote multilateral platforms including reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO). With differences in trade interests, an extensive debate is expected. 

Although it is unlikely to see a significant breakthrough on the trade front, Japanese hosts need prudence to avoid China-U.S. issues to take center stage of this summit. 

U.S. President Donald Trump made several comments on trade tariffs, not only on China and Vietnam, as well as pressing Japan for trade concessions. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump are to meet at the sidelines of the G20 summit, which is attracting media interests and international concerns on expanding trade tensions. 

Topics at the G20 summit range from strengthening global economic growth, driving innovations, climate change, WTO reform, women's empowerment, and rules for the digital economy. 

Time is limited. However, several issues expect contention, such as climate change.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the final communique must mention the 2015 Paris Climate Change agreement, which is likely to face stiff opposition from President Trump. Washington has decided to pull out of the accord. 

"I hear many people around the world say, 'I have red lines, and if we talk about this or that, I'm not signing.' Well, as for myself, I have one red line. If we don't go far with our climate ambitions, that means that we're holding the meeting for nothing," Macron said at a press conference earlier this week. 

With so many contentious issues and topics to discuss, it will be a challenge to find common grounds in preparing the final joint communique. So the question is: Can the G20 summit this year come up with an effective communique or a watered-down statement?