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

A Busy 2021 Negotiations Calendar Bodes Well for the Environment
The roster of multilateral events for this year is filling up quickly. Our experts reveal why this leaves them cautiously optimistic.

Did the Climate Ambition Summit Make Enough Progress?
Technically there was some movement, but a large gap remains between what is promised and what is necessary.

Making Peace with Nature: Highlights from the UN Climate Change Dialogues 2020
The recent Climate Dialogues were intended to bridge the gap to COP 26. Here, we offer lessons learned from a virtual approach to multilateral engagement.

The U.S. Has Exited the Paris Agreement. Does it Matter?
The last time there was a major climate treaty, the United States stood on the sidelines. This time, stakes may be higher, but the energy transition will continue.

25 Reasons Why the WTO Must End Subsidies That Drive Overfishing
WTO members are negotiating an agreement to end harmful fisheries subsidies. We have 25 reasons why they must reel in a deal this year, for people and planet.

How Multilateralism Handles a Pandemic
We've learned five lessons after months of environmental negotiations shifting to online platforms.
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How Multilateralism Handles a Pandemic
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The State of Global Environmental Governance 2019
A global team of reporters points to the successes, shortcomings and overall trends in international environmental negotiations in 2019.

A Long and Winding Road: COP 25 end notes
If there is one word to sum up what turned out to be the longest Conference of Parties (COP) in UNFCCC history, it’s arguably “frustration.” Now that COP 25 has wrapped, it’s worth looking back at what was—and wasn’t—achieved.
Experts

Anne Hammill
Senior Director, Resilience

Lynn Wagner
Senior Director, Tracking Progress

Faye Leone
Senior Policy Advisor, Tracking Progress

Kali Taylor
Policy Advisor, Geneva 2030 Ecosystem

Jennifer Allan
Writer/Editor, Earth Negotiations Bulletin

Pamela Chasek
Executive Editor, Earth Negotiations Bulletin
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