1. Given the grossly unequal distributions of power and wealth, how can multilateral initiatives produce more equitable development outcomes? 2. Why would some countries prefer to engage in...

1.Inequality is a major issue in our society. Recent waves of globalisation, notably in international commerce and finance, have done much to lessen global inequality; yet, within countries, the disparity between the wealthy and the poorest remains. The poorest are becoming more numerous. While severe poverty has diminished, income and riches have become more concentrated. Most economies are expanding, but the worker share of national income is decreasing, and much of the world's workforce has suffered from stagnating real wages. Even as women's economic contributions rise, gender inequities continue. All of this has resulted in the emergence of damaging and intolerable inequality, resulting in a system in which everyone loses. As a result, now is the time for bold action for a just future, which necessitates strong and coordinated global reactions. This session will look at what needs to be done at the international and regional levels to eliminate inequality and how the multilateral system might function more effectively together.
2. The rich nations insist on this type of "global" multilateral structure primarily to ensure that the new challenges they are raising - epidemics - are high on the agenda of the Uruguay Round. All members will be subject to service liberalisation and tighter intellectual property laws. The Uruguay Round takes place at a time when industrial economies are declining and some sectors of their service...