Global governance systems must resonate with the interests of all of their members, small or large, developed or developing, including those that have special or differential requirements. Multilateral governance bodies are mandated to represent the interests of all their member countries.

The list of global governance issues addressed by multilateral bodies is long: human rights, human development, labor, health, peace, conflict, disarmament, communication, finance and environment. Trade and economic integration, however, have been the most visible aspects of international cooperation in the past year.

The three major elements in global governance — the consensus, rules and membership of multiple national governments — require a binding mode of interaction. Multilateralism facilitates such interaction and helps sustain the rule-based global order.