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
From Sharm el-Sheikh to Montreal: Seizing the moment for the biodiversity–climate nexus at COP 15
The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework negotiations at the UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal represent a once-in-a-decade moment to set an ambitious agenda for biodiversity conservation.
Just Energy Transition Partnerships: An opportunity to leapfrog from coal to clean energy
One year on from the announcement of the first "Just Energy Transition Partnership" (JETP) at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26) in Glasgow, what have we learned and where are these innovative funding models headed?
Making the Leap
This brief argues that Just Energy Transition Partnerships (in South Africa, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and Senegal) should support leapfrogging from fossil to renewable energy.
Learning From Gender-Responsive National Adaptation Plan Processes: Insights from countries to inform the review of the UNFCCC Gender Action Plan
Based on the priority actions of 10 African and Caribbean countries for integrating gender equality in their National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes, we identified recommendations for effectively advancing the Gender Action Plan (GAP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
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.
Putting Equity at the Heart of the Global Stocktake
Capturing the world's collective progress towards achieving the Paris Agreement goals requires a look at who is being left behind and what we could do to create an equitable, climate-resilient future for all.
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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.
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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.