Why have developing countries soured on multilateralism?

Multilateralism in Crisis: The World Trade Organization and Sustainable Development Goals

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut –

Multilateralism is waning and one of the world’s leading multilateral institutions, the World Trade Organization (WTO), is in crisis. Since 2018, the United States has been blocking new appointments to the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism’s Appellate Body, exacerbating the situation.

The WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference and Low Expectations

In February, the WTO held its 13th Ministerial Conference, where some optimists hoped for progress on specific issues, such as an agreement not to impose tariffs on digital commerce. However, expectations were generally low.

India’s Opposition and the Extension of E-commerce Tariff Moratorium

Unfortunately, the pessimists were proven right. India took the lead in opposing the extension of a moratorium on e-commerce tariffs. Only a last-minute deal managed to prolong it for another two years, after which it is expected to expire. India and its allies celebrated this outcome as a victory.

Shifting Culprits: Developing Countries and the WTO

For the first time in years, the culprit undermining the WTO was not the United States, but developing countries including Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, and others. This shift in dynamics highlights the challenges faced by the WTO and the need for renewed multilateral cooperation.

The Role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in addressing the global challenges faced by multilateral institutions like the WTO. The SDGs provide a framework for sustainable development, encompassing social, economic, and environmental dimensions.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

SDG 17 emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration among countries, organizations, and stakeholders to achieve the SDGs. It calls for revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development, including those in trade.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 8 focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It highlights the need for fair trade policies and practices that benefit all countries, particularly developing nations.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 10 aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries. It emphasizes the importance of promoting social, economic, and political inclusion for all. Ensuring fair and equitable trade policies can contribute to reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive growth.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 12 focuses on promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. It calls for more efficient use of resources, reduction of waste, and the adoption of sustainable practices. Trade policies that prioritize sustainability can contribute to achieving SDG 12.

Conclusion

The crisis facing the World Trade Organization highlights the urgent need for multilateral cooperation and the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals. By aligning trade policies with the SDGs, countries can work together to address global challenges, promote inclusive growth, reduce inequalities, and ensure sustainable development for all.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the crisis in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the waning of multilateralism. This issue is connected to SDG 17, which focuses on strengthening global partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 17.10: Promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory, and equitable multilateral trading system under the WTO.

The article highlights the crisis in the WTO, which undermines the multilateral trading system. Target 17.10 specifically addresses the need to promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory, and equitable multilateral trading system under the WTO.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 17.10.1: Number of countries implementing trade facilitation measures.

The article mentions the blocking of new appointments to the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism’s Appellate Body by the United States since 2018. This obstruction hinders the functioning of the WTO and affects its ability to implement trade facilitation measures. Indicator 17.10.1 measures the number of countries implementing trade facilitation measures, which is relevant to the crisis in the WTO discussed in the article.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

This table presents the findings from analyzing the article, highlighting the relevant SDGs, targets, and indicators. The article primarily addresses SDG 17 and its target to promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory, and equitable multilateral trading system under the WTO. The indicator mentioned is 17.10.1, which measures the number of countries implementing trade facilitation measures.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: japantimes.co.jp

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