G20 declaration in defiance of US marks victory for multilateralism

G20 marks victory for multilateralism

- TIM COCKS & ANDREA SHALAL

BORN OF CRISIS but torn by years of tensions among its members, the G20 major economies scored a rare victory this weekend for multilateralism after overcoming the boycott and objections of its most powerful member, the US.

South Africa, this year’s G20 president, rallied all but two member nations — the US and Argentina — to issue a declaration, ignoring Washington’s warnings and quelling questions about the G20’s future — at least for now.

Many doubted Pretoria would secure a declaration, much less tackle issues such as helping poor nations cope with climate change and external debt.

That success strengthened a body which for years was struggling to reach meaningful agreements — and highlighted the power of multilateralism when it seemed in retreat, researchers and delegates said.