9th Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators

The Ninth Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from November 16 to 18, 2015, and was attended by participants from 48 countries.

The event focused on the uncertainty that faces international investment law today and assessed the meaning and implications of this uncertainty for emerging and developing economies. The Forum was co-hosted by the Government of Brazil, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the South Centre.

In line with the theme "Investment Treaties in a State of Flux: Strategies and opportunities for developing countries," the meeting examined the biggest state of flux in international investment law over the last 50 years. Among the questions explored were the trends in negotiations of mega-regional agreements, investment treaty models in development, and strategic approaches available to developing countries to re-design the system in a way that contributes to their economic and social development in a sustainable way.

The Forum encouraged the sharing of ideas among senior developing and emerging country government officials, who built on their experience and converged on the need for principles for South-South cooperation in reforming the investment treaty regime. Participants also recommended that a process be established for countries to begin developing a set of principles for like-minded countries based on the discussions and recommendations that emerged during this year's Forum that would lead into next year's Forum.

Learn more about the Annual Forums of Developing Country Investment Negotiators