If the G-20 summit does not address the needs of the urban poor around the world when it convenes Sept. 24-25 in Pittsburgh, a group of grassroots leaders in the city will.

Yesterday, 25 people gathered in Mellon Park in Point Breeze to plan a shadow event, the International Peace, Justice and Empowerment Summit, for Sept. 23-24. Organizers said they intend to raise attention to the needs of poor and low-income people, from urban America to the rural Third World.

"This is an international issue," said Rashad Byrdsong, president of the Community Empowerment Association -- a nonprofit group based in North Point Breeze. "Our intention is to create an agenda for a broader dialogue around the G-20 summit."

The G-20 represents the world's largest economic players as well as nations viewed as expanding economies. Goals set during its April summit in London pertained to improving the world's economic outlook without addressing economic disparities that predated the housing and banking crisis last fall, he said.

"A burning issue is the lack of urban policy," Mr. Byrdsong said. "The cradle-to-prison pipeline has to be addressed. Automatic weapons have to be addressed. Housing and health care have to be addressed."

The coalition of local summit planners includes activists from housing nonprofits, social service groups and neighborhood advocacy agencies. They plan to invite leaders from around the world who work to improve living conditions, health care and education for disadvantaged people.

Judith Ginyard, a community activist in Larimer and Lemington, said low-income people around the world share the need for better affordable housing.

White House officials have said Pittsburgh was chosen as the location for the G-20 summit because of its reputation as a green city that has shed its industrial past. But organizers of yesterday's event said developing green jobs and green technology should be compatible with the conditions low-income people face in their neighborhoods.

"We need to push beyond the green economy as more than just putting up a solar panel," said Majestic Lane, a staff member at the Community Empowerment Association.

Yesterday's gathering was part of the Black Family Reunion, an annual community festival. The event was marred later in the day when a 16-year-old youth was shot in the leg in the park.

The youth, whose name was not released, was taken to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; his condition was not considered serious, said Sgt. Brian Elledge. Police had two suspects in custody last night for questioning.

The festival continued last night and will resume today.