2023 Investment Policy Forum
The 15th edition of the International Institute for Sustainable Development's (IISD) Investment Policy Forum was held in Panama City in October 2023. Over 100 investment policy-makers from more than 50 developing countries, regional bodies, and multilateral institutions took part in 3 days of discussions and workshops to advance the coherent reform of investment governance for sustainable development.
The Investment Policy Forum, organized by IISD, is the world's only annual event exclusively for investment policy-makers from developing countries.
The 15th edition of the forum was hosted by the Government of Panama from October 25 to 27, 2023.
Over 100 investment policy-makers and negotiators from more than 50 developing countries (covering Africa, Asia, South America, and Central America), regional bodies, and multilateral institutions participated in 3 days of panel discussions, workshops, and peer-to-peer learning sessions.
IISD Model Contract Clauses for Responsible Investment in Agriculture launch
At the 2023 Investment Policy Forum, the IISD Model Contract Clauses for Responsible Investment in Agriculture toolkit for developing countries was launched. The toolkit provides legal provisions to help developing countries implement international best practices, principles, and guidance on responsible agricultural investment.
A new IISD policy brief on the need to revisit tax incentives as an investment promotion tool—with the Global Minimum Tax coming into force in January 2024—was also released and discussed at the forum.
Participants Develop "Institutional Coherence" Toolkit to Support Sustainable Investment Reform
During the opening ceremony, a new Investment Policy Forum supra theme for the coming years was introduced: fostering coherence for sustainable investment governance.
Guided by the new supra theme of coherence, the Investment Policy Forum is set to become a focal point for efforts to harness the growing global momentum for sustainable investment governance reform—and tackle the risk of these efforts being carried out in a fragmented fashion.
With the direction of travel mapped out, the 2023 Investment Policy Forum focused specifically on institutional coherence. After 3 days of unpacking, the participants wrapped up the 15th edition of the forum by building an institutional coherence checklist—a tool to support the Investment Policy Forum community in mapping and strengthening sustainable investment reform efforts in their countries.
Progress on institutional coherence efforts will be evaluated at the 2024 Investment Policy Forum.
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Upcoming events
2026 Investment Policy Forum
The 17th edition of IISD's Investment Policy Forum will take place from September 16 to 18, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Exploring Sustainable Markets and Trade Opportunities for COMESA Countries
This webinar series for COMESA member states, producers, and small and medium-sized enterprises aims to enhance their understanding of sustainability standards and regulatory developments.
Policy Workshop: Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Beyond GDP in Ghana
Policymakers will explore core concepts, global approaches, and key components of "beyond GDP" and assess their relevance for Ghana.
Student Workshop: Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Beyond GDP in Ghana
Students will confront the limitations of GDP and explore alternative and complementary measures to GDP and their policy implications for Ghana.