The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to create a world where people and the planet thrive.
About IISDWhat We Do
Our research and policy work focuses on areas we deem ripe for transformation, where shifts in policy have the potential to change the game and where we have a proven record of making significant gains.
Climate
IISD helps governments achieve a just and equitable energy transition and turn adaptation plans into action.
Nature
IISD advances nature-based solutions through comprehensive benefits assessments and hands-on implementation. IISD Experimental Lakes Area protects freshwater systems through new research and policy guidance.
Sustainable Economies
IISD advances inclusive & effective policies across sectors to help build a future where prosperity is measured in resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship.
Flagship Initiatives
IISD Experimental Lakes Area
IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is an exceptional natural laboratory comprised of 58 small lakes and their watersheds set aside for scientific research.
NAP Global Network
The NAP Global Network works with partners in the world’s most vulnerable countries to develop and implement climate adaptation plans for a more secure future.
Global Subsidies Initiative
The IISD Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) supports international processes, national governments, and civil society organizations to align subsidies with sustainable development.
The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development
The IGF supports nations committed to leveraging mining for sustainable development to ensure negative impacts are limited and financial benefits are shared.
SDG Knowledge Hub
The SDG Knowledge Hub provides daily information on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Earth Negotiations Bulletin
Earth Negotiations Bulletin provides balanced, timely, and independent reporting on United Nations environment and development negotiations.
Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre
The NBI Global Resource Centre aims to establish the business case for nature-based infrastructure, providing data, training, and customized project valuations.
State of Sustainability Initiatives
The State of Sustainability Initiatives examines how voluntary sustainability standards can support environmental and social goals.
New Research
IISD publishes objective, independent, high-quality research on sustainable development issues, including reports, policy briefs, and toolkits.
State of Global Environmental Governance 2025
Analysis of the wins and setbacks in international environmental negotiations in 2025 amid unprecedented challenges to multilateralism.
Progressing the Transition Away From Fossil Fuels
This paper focuses on the practical question of how to design effective roadmaps for transitioning away from fossil fuels—at both global and national levels.
New Perspectives
The International Monetary Fund and World Bank Are Reforming Their Main Debt Sustainability Assessment Tool—Here's why it matters
The International Monetary Fund and World Bank are about to revise their main tool for assessing how much low-income countries can borrow, and on what terms. Our experts unpack what’s at stake and why the reform matters for sustainable development.
World Trade Organization 14th Ministerial Conference Outcomes: Wins, progress, and deal-breakers
Expectations going into the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference were light. The outcomes were even lighter.
Rising Investor-State Tax Arbitration Cases Threaten Fiscal Sovereignty: Here’s what the UN Tax Convention can do
Tax disputes are increasingly being brought before investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) tribunals, undermining fiscal sovereignty and exposing governments to significant financial liabilities. The UN Framework Convention on Tax, currently under negotiation, offers a chance to stop this.
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Our Impact
Gender Equality in Action: Childcare program enables mothers to work on nature-based solutions in Kigali
SUNCASA partners from AVEGA Agahozo have established a childcare program for children aged 9 to 35 months at tree nurseries to support women by providing care while parents work.
Laos' Tax Incentives Reform Seeks to Drive Sustainable Investment and Safeguard Revenue
A new Investment Promotion Law helps Laos better target its tax incentives to attract sustainable investment while protecting public revenue.
Making the Business Case for Nature-Based Infrastructure: How the City of Cape Town boosted funding for restoring its waterways
IISD supported the City of Cape Town with two integrated cost–benefit analyses, making a strong case for investing in nature-based infrastructure.