Investment for Sustainable Development: Incorporating investor obligations in trade and investment agreements

International investment governance is in the process of renewal. Moving away from traditional post-colonial investment treaty models of the late 1950s, newer approaches are emerging that take a more holistic approach, rebalance the rights and obligations of different stakeholders, and integrate a sustainable development lens.

IISD is organizing a side event at the World Investment Forum on October 24 from 1:00 p.m to 2:30 p.m., in partnership with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES). 

This event will discuss ways to articulate and incorporate investor obligations in international investment agreements and free trade agreements with investment chapters.

Participants will examine and share models and approaches that aim to advance responsible investment and hold investors accountable.

Topics to be discussed: 

• Where and how is responsible investor behaviour best regulated?
• How can international agreements complement national frameworks to advance responsible business conduct and hold investors accountable?
• How have recent models incorporated investor responsibilities?
• What new mechanisms are needed and how can existing mechanisms be improved?