Regional Approaches to Investor-State Disputes: Workshop with UEMOA countries
On April 17–18, 2024, IISD, in partnership with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), organized a workshop for experts from investment promotion agencies of UEMOA member states.
On April 17–18, 2024, IISD, in partnership with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), organized a workshop for experts from UEMOA member states' investment promotion agencies. The workshop focused on alternative ways ("mechanisms") to resolve disputes between foreign investors and states.
The workshop advanced the experts' knowledge of various investment dispute resolution mechanisms, enabled the participants to share practical experiences, and initiated discussions on the opportunity for UEMOA member states to forge a common approach to influence the upcoming negotiations of the Dispute Settlement Annex of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Investment Protocol (IP).
IISD experts leading the workshop unpacked key concepts of dispute settlement mechanisms, including prevention, management, and resolution, as well as crucial steps for ensuring their effectiveness. Participants were also briefed on the current status, challenges, and opportunities for this year's negotiations on the Dispute Settlement Annex to the AfCFTA IP, as well as on key ongoing multilateral reform processes, such as UNCITRAL Working Group III and the Energy Charter Treaty.
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.
Unpacking National Investment Laws: Dispute settlement
Join IISD and UNCTAD for a webinar on May 7 as we explore key findings and recommendations from two recent publications on national investment laws and their investor–state dispute settlement provisions. A panel of experts will discuss the risks posed by dispute settlement provisions in investment laws, emerging good practices, and the urgent need for coherence between domestic legal frameworks and international treaty reform efforts.
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Natural Solutions for Water Security: Canada's Policy Path Forward
This 2-day forum aims to advance strategic priorities and define practical next steps for accelerating the adoption of natural infrastructure as a new normal.