Economies
A cleaner and more equitable world will deliver real benefits for people and the planet. But everyone is not on a level playing field at the moment. And the pandemic has made things worse.
COVID-19 has shown how corrosive inequality is and how urgently we need to build more sustainable and inclusive economies. No country is immune.
IISD draws on three decades of international expertise to propose economic pathways that set the world on a sustainable trajectory.
We push for needed reforms to global economic governance systems, help emerging economies negotiate fair deals, and promote the benefits of sustainable infrastructure and nature-based solutions.
Featured topics
Investment Law & Policy
How can we ensure developing countries attract the sort of investment that promotes sustainable development?
Trade
Depending on how trade policy is designed and implemented, it can either advance or be a hindrance to sustainable, low-carbon development.
Standards and Value Chains
Voluntary sustainability standards contribute to biodiversity conservation, poverty reduction, and gender equality.
Featured projects
Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators
The Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators is the only global platform for government officials exclusively from developing and emerging economies to share experiences and lessons learned from investment negotiations.
Investment Treaty News
Investment Treaty News (ITN) has offered news, analysis and opinions on international investment law and its implications for sustainable development. The service began as a list-serve where information and views were shared among members, before becoming an electronic newsletter produced by a small editorial team.
The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi)
IISD developed the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) to demonstrate to governments, investors and citizens why sustainable assets can deliver better value for money and more attractive internal rates of return.
The Energy Charter Treaty
IISD has been actively engaging with governments, civil society, academia, legal experts, and other stakeholders in how to address the many difficulties posted by the Energy Charter Treaty.
Base Erosion and Profit Shifting in Mining
Equipping resource-rich developing country governments with the knowledge, skills, and tools to build and administer robust mining tax systems.
State of Sustainability Initiatives
An international transparency and capacity-building project aimed at improving strategic planning and sustainable development outcomes related to voluntary sustainable standards.
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Other related topics
Circular Economy
In a circular economy, products are designed, produced, and used to reduce waste and regenerate natural systems.
Finance
The green economy can drive future economic growth and help address climate change.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is the backbone of sustainable development and a powerful driver of economic activity.
Public Procurement
Government purchasing power should be leveraged towards buying the most sustainable goods, services, and works.
Responsible Business
By adopting sustainable practices, companies can gain a competitive edge, increase their market share, and boost shareholder value.