An agreement/arrangement among a large number of parties/countries, usually global (e.g., WTO with 145 Contracting Parties, WCO with 161 Member Countries).

Involving more than two nations or parties. Commonly refers to treaties, trade agreements, or organisations, such as the World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF) or World Trade Organisation (WTO). Multilateral financial institutions, (IMF, WB, development banks), are funded and controlled by the wealthier industrialised nations and give loans to developing countries for specific projects (hydroelectric dams, pipelines, industrial development, etc.). These loans are often granted with “conditionals,” such as restructuring, privatisation of public services or liberalisation of trade and investment controls.

In the context of this report, a relationship between several (three or more) countries.

More than three countries are involved.

Having a number of participating "sides," or countries. See also: Bilateral, Unilateral

of an agreement or conference in which three or more countries participate.

Involving three or more countries; as opposed to bilateral, i.e. involving only two countries (as in multilateral treaties or negotiations).

discussions or negotiations involving more than two parties (e.g. countries)