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
Four Key Elements to Ensure a Successful Global Goal on Adaptation
As the final rounds of negotiations on the GGA kick off at COP 28, a looming question remains: Will it be comprehensive enough for countries to implement in the years ahead?
The Global Stocktake Needs to Send a Strong Message on Adaptation
Concluding at COP 28, the inaugural global stocktake sheds light on our collective progress toward reaching the Paris Agreement’s goals. What signals should it send to countries to strengthen adaptation and resilience in the next 5 years?
Border Carbon Adjustments: Pivotal design choices for policy-makers
This policy brief covers the pivotal choices in the design of border carbon adjustments, aiming to provide useful insights to policy-makers and set the ground for the broader discussions about the best practices.
Border Carbon Adjustments: Priorities for international cooperation
This IISD policy brief looks into border carbon adjustment design elements that are priorities for international cooperation, as well as the possible venues, formats, and shapes that such a discussion might take.
The History of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF)
How did the IGF emerge as the global forum for more than 80 member countries advancing good mining governance for sustainable development?
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?
Related content
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.