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 world’s only global assembly on investment negotiation exclusively for government officials from developing and emerging economies.

Investment Treaty News
Investment Treaty News is a quarterly journal offering news and analysis on the implications of investment law and policy for sustainable development.

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, and legal experts on how to address the many difficulties posted by the Energy Charter Treaty.

Tax Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) in Mining
Equipping resource-rich developing country governments with the knowledge, skills, and tools to optimize the financial benefits from mining.

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.

Sustainable Finance
Sustainable finance has gained considerable traction in recent years, becoming a significant trend in the financial industry.

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.