Governance and Multilateral Agreements
The frameworks that govern global economic activity and international environmental governance touch every aspect of our lives – from our internet data privacy, to how countries share knowledge about food, to our ability to buy affordable, safe products in line with social and environmental norms.
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
COP 29 Must Deliver on Last Year’s Historic Energy Transition Pact
At COP 29 in Baku, countries must build on what was achieved at COP 28 and clarify what tripling renewables and transitioning away from fossil fuels means in practice.
What Will Happen at COP 29?
Talks at the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) will range from defining a way forward on finance through a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) to mitigation, and loss and damage. Ahead of negotiations in Baku, IISD’s Earth Negotiations Bulletin Team Lead Jennifer Bansard examines the agenda and breaks down what to watch as eyes turn to Azerbaijan.
The Urgency and Complexity of Moving Beyond GDP
Efforts to explore how the portfolio of capitals that make up Comprehensive Wealth—financial capital, produced capital, natural capital, human capital, and social capital—can give policymakers insights into how their policies build wealth for their countries in the long run.
Inside the UN Tax Negotiations: Key outcomes and future challenges
Last week at the United Nations, countries endorsed new guidelines for an international tax system under the UN's umbrella. Our expert Kudzai Mataba, who observed the negotiations, provides an in-depth look at the progress, the divergent priorities of developed and developing nations, and the challenges ahead for global tax cooperation.
Model Inter Se Agreement to Neutralize the Survival Clause of the Energy Charter Treaty Between the EU and Other non-EU Contracting Parties
An analysis of how the European Union (EU) and other contracting parties of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) could modify the treaty among themselves to neutralize the survival clause and prevent future fossil fuel investment arbitrations.
How to Strengthen MEL Systems for Adaptation
Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems are about ensuring we implement climate change adaptation more effectively and more efficiently. So, what can we learn from different countries currently tackling the challenges of developing and delivering MEL systems for adaptation? Lucy Njuguna and Emilie Beauchamp dive into the findings and recommendations from a new report.
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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.
The 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.