IISD Receives $1 million for Sustainable Development Research in Manitoba

Momentum building for sustainable development issues

WINNIPEG — Provincial contributions to IISD for sustainable development research totalling $1 million were announced today in Winnipeg.

At IISD's 15th anniversary reception the announcement capped off a year where momentum has been gaining for IISD—the Commonwealth Secretariat hosted an event in April to launch IISD's model investment agreement and in February IISD was named the most effective sustainable development research organization in the world according to the GlobeScan survey results.

"We are extremely proud of the fact that IISD is now 15 years old, which is not an insignificant milestone for a non-profit think tank in these turbulent times," said David Runnalls, President and CEO of IISD. "We don't just make widgets, we develop practical ideas that policy-makers can use to implement sustainable development."

"The Government of Manitoba is pleased that we are a partner with IISD and provide this outstanding organization with $1.1 million per year," said Conservation Minister Stan Struthers. "As part of this five-year arrangement, IISD and the Province have agreed that this year, 30% of the funding will be allocated to projects in Manitoba. This partnership has been very productive and mutually beneficial as it has had a great impact on an number of initiatives related to Climate Change and the recent nomination of the World Heritage Site on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. The Province and IISD will soon begin discussions on the next five-year funding agreement."

Established in Winnipeg in 1990 by then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Environment Minister Lucien Bouchard, and Manitoba Premier Gary Filmon, IISD has touched the four corners of the world. Some of the institute's greatest achievements over the past 15 years include:

• The most effective sustainable development research organization in the world, according to the GlobeScan survey results of 2004

• Placing over 250 interns in 39 countries around the world with 90 different partner organizations.

• Reaching over 45,000 experts and decision-makers through the Earth Negotiations Bulletin. Since 1992 our reporting services team has posted 1,947 reports on meetings from Nairobi to Yokohama to Bali. The reports provide precise, accurate, and insightful analysis in sustainable development negotiations and are made freely available.

• Winning a 3 1/2 year battle to take part in NAFTA hearings; a NAFTA tribunal accepts and formally considers public submissions in a precedent-setting "triumph for openness" in international trade and investment arbitration.

• Bringing to light startling evidence of climate-change-related impacts in the Far North documented in Sila Alangotok: Inuit Observations on Climate Change, a dramatic video.

• Developing one of the world's first Web sites dedicated to policy and sustainable development. Last year alone, 52 million hits were recorded from over 100 different countries and over two million documents were downloaded.

• Pioneering new ways of working with partner organizations around the world and being considered intellectual leaders in this field. At any given time, IISD is working with over 80 partner organizations.

• Increasing funding from the original base of three core government funders to today where our projects and work are supported by over 17 international governments, 12 international bodies, five philanthropic organizations and five private companies.

• Launching a model international investment agreement at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London that calls for new international rules on foreign investment that address the development, environmental and human rights concerns that lie at the heart of sustainable development.

"This small organization continues to be relevant on so many major issues—from water in Manitoba to international investment agreements in London to working with the government of China developing environmental policy," says outgoing Chair of the Board Jacques Gérin.

Background Information

About IISD

The International Institute for Sustainable Development contributes to sustainable development by advancing policy recommendations on international trade and investment, economic policy, climate change, measurement and assessment, and natural resources management. Through the Internet, we report on international negotiations and share knowledge gained through collaborative projects with global partners, resulting in more rigorous research, capacity building in developing countries and better dialogue between North and South.

IISD's vision is better living for all—sustainably; its mission is to champion innovation, enabling societies to live sustainably. IISD is registered as a charitable organization in Canada and has 501(c)(3) status in the United States. IISD receives core operating support from the Government of Canada, provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Environment Canada; and from the Province of Manitoba. The Institute receives project funding from numerous governments inside and outside Canada, United Nations agencies, foundations and the private sector

IISD Board of Directors

Board

Stephanie Cairns
James Carr
Angela Cropper
John Forgách
Christian Friis Bach, PhD
Daniel Gagnier
Jacques Gérin
Chuck Hantho
Nicolas Imboden
Huguette Labelle
Laxanachantorn Laohaphan
Elizabeth May
Gordon McBean, Ph.D., FRSC
Mark Moody-Stuart
Khawar Mumtaz
Robert Page, Ph.D
Jane Rigby
Mohamed Sahnoun
The Rt. Hon. Edward R. Schreyer
Mary May Simon

Advisory Participants

Norm Brandson
Maureen O'Neil
Paul Thibault
Samy Watson

Friends of the Institute

Gro Harlem Brundtland
José Goldemberg
Sir Shridath Ramphal

Distinguished Fellows

Arthur J. Hanson, PhD
Jim MacNeill
Maurice Strong

Founding Chair

Lloyd McGinnis