IISD Viewpoint is a series of commentaries written in the lead up to the 4th Ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization, which took place in Doha, Qatar, November 9-13, 2001. The series addresses trade liberalization, the evolving trade and environment agenda, and investment, among other themes.

With these briefings, the International Institute for Sustainable Development aims to clarify the issues and to introduce new perspectives. (See also the briefings produced on the key issues of the Doha Round negotiations.)