Creating Sustainable Reform
IISD works with governments, international institutions, academics, and civil society to identify, propose, and support reform across the international investment field to enhance sustainable development. Our work covers treaties, laws, contracts, and policies.
This is illustrated by our leading role in the global efforts to reform investor-state dispute settlements (ISDS), including on the Energy Charter Treaty and as a participating member of the UNCITRAL Working Group III process on ISDS reform.
As the host organization of the annual Investment Policy Forum - a unique event exclusively for investment negotiators from emerging economies - we promote sustainable, bottom-up reform of the international investment landscape.
Project team
Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder
Interim Co-President and Co-CEO | Vice-President, Global Strategies and Managing Director, Europe
Suzy H. Nikièma
Director, Investment
Josef Ostřanský
Policy Advisor
Nyaguthii Maina
Associate
Florencia Sarmiento
Policy Analyst
Lukas Schaugg
International Law Analyst
Abas Kinda
Associate
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UNCITRAL Working Group III and Reform of Investor–State Dispute Settlement
The UN Commission on International Trade Law Working Group III (UNCITRAL WGIII) has been pursuing reform of investor–state dispute settlement since 2017. IISD is an observer member of the Working Group and has participated in all of its sessions, working to promote a fair system to resolve investment-related disputes that enhance sustainable development.
The Energy Charter Treaty
The Energy Charter Treaty is a regional trade and investment agreement in the energy sector that has grown into an obstacle to impactful climate and sustainability policies—IISD is leading the way on fundamental reform to accelerate the green transition.
Capacity Building, Technical Advice and Training Courses
IISD's highly qualified international lawyers provide training courses, workshops, and a range of advisory services for developing economy officials - covering investment treaties, laws and contracts, negotiations, and dispute prevention and management.
Best Practices Policy Bulletins
IISD's Best Practices Series analyzes the evolving scope and nature of investment treaty negotiations, drawing on public treaty texts and model agreements from governments.