Governance and Multilateral Agreements
While the number of multilateral agreements and governance frameworks abound, they vary on multiple levels. They cover different topics, from monetary policy to international trade, chemicals management to climate change. They have different memberships that do not fully overlap, and each have their own types of obligations. They also have varying legal implications, with some taking a “soft law” approach without enforcement mechanisms, while others take a “hard law” approach with the prospect of sanctions for non-compliance.
At IISD, our work on governance and multilateral agreements involves working with countries, regional and international institutions, academics, and civil society representatives to better understand these systems and their implications for sustainable, inclusive development. We consider issues such as policy coherence and conflict; governance gaps and overlaps; transparency and accountability; and the implications of these frameworks for national and regional policy space. We advise governments, hold expert meetings, participate in international forums, document and analyze negotiations, and conduct in-depth research into trends, reform options, and best practices.
Blog
Last Call for the Global Stocktake
The 2023 Bonn Climate Change Conference will be the last opportunity for countries and relevant stakeholders to provide technical inputs into the two-year Global Stocktake process. What are our expectations on adaptation?
"Green Lemons" Need to be Squeezed out From the ESG Market
Weak ESG governance and reporting standards are putting a brake on sustainability investments beyond climate mitigation, but several new regulatory initiatives could herald the start of a more positive trend.
Four Ways the G7 Can Show Leadership on Fossil Fuel Phase-Out
G7 ministers and leaders have a key opportunity this year to make concrete progress on fossil fuel phase-out, which could in turn encourage other economies to follow suit.
A Quest for Legal Clarity: What the International Court of Justice's upcoming advisory opinion means for climate action
The United Nations General Assembly resolution comes at a pivotal moment for the international climate community, as governments, civil society, academia, and private actors all prepare for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change's 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) this November.
IPCC Research Shows Need for Ramping Up Mitigation Ambition, Tackling Adaptation Gaps
The IPCC Synthesis Report of its sixth assessment cycle confirms that the world is dangerously close to the 1.5°C limit under the Paris Agreement—but also affirms there are proven options to avert catastrophic warming and act on adaptation.
Source to Sea: Integrating the water agenda in 2023
2023 could prove to be a definitive year for facilitating an integrative perspective on water issues, from fresh water to the marine environment.
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What Does an Inclusive Global Stocktake Look Like for Civil Society?
The inaugural Global Stocktake will conclude at COP 28 in 2023. With the process well underway, the current and upcoming phases of the Global Stocktake must be open and inclusive in order to succeed.
State of Global Environmental Governance 2022
Our reporting team explores global environmental diplomacy wins and misses as in-person talks resumed in full force in 2022.
The Global Biodiversity Framework's "30x30" Target: Catchy slogan or effective conservation goal?
In the lead-up to COP 15, we take a closer look at one of the key targets included under the proposed Global Biodiversity Framework.
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Governance and Multilateral Agreements
The frameworks that govern economies and our ecosystems touch every aspect of our lives—and have implications for sustainable, inclusive development.