Washington, D.C. ? World leaders will meet Nov. 15 in Washington to address the global financial crisis – the first in a series of summits to mitigate what economists predict could be a long and deep downturn.

In making the announcement, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said the first meeting will focus on the underlying causes of the financial crisis, the global response and the principles that should guide any reforms.

The summit will bring together leaders of Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, the United States, the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Russia, South Korea and other major economies. She said the White House would seek input from the winner of the U.S. presidential election who will take office on Jan. 20.