Modèle d’accord international sur l’investissement pour le développement durable (IIDD)

The 'Modèle d’accord international sur l’investissement pour le développement durable (IIDD)' is a negotiator's guide and model international investment agreement published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). It proposes a new framework for international investment agreements (IIAs) that balances the rights of investors with the obligations of investors and the rights of host and home states, specifically aiming to integrate sustainable development goals into the legal structure of foreign investment.

• The model agreement seeks to replace the traditional focus of IIAs, which was exclusively on the protection of foreign capital, with a balanced approach that includes the rights and obligations of investors, host states, and home states.
• To prevent 'treaty shopping' (lèche-vitrines), the model requires investors to explicitly choose a home state based on the location of actual control of the investment and where liability can be effectively imposed.
• The agreement defines 'investment' strictly to exclude portfolio investments and 'shell companies' (coquilles vides), requiring a 'significant physical presence' in the host state to qualify for protection.
• The model explicitly rejects the creation of an automatic 'right of establishment' for foreign investors, instead suggesting a positive listing system (Annex E) where states announce sectors open to investment under national law.
• Investors are subject to mandatory environmental and social impact assessments prior to establishment, applying the most rigorous standards of either the home or host state and adhering to the 'precautionary principle'.
• The agreement imposes strict anti-corruption obligations on investors, prohibiting the offering of undue advantages to public agents or their family members and close associates.
• Post-establishment obligations for investors include maintaining environmental management systems (such as ISO 14001 for large or high-risk firms) and respecting international human rights and labor standards.
• The model establishes a mechanism for investor liability, allowing civil lawsuits in the investor's home state for significant harm, bodily injury, or loss of life caused in the host state.
• Host states are prohibited from lowering environmental, labor, public health, or safety standards to attract or retain foreign investment, aiming to prevent a 'race to the bottom'.
• The agreement clarifies that non-discriminatory regulatory measures taken in good faith (bona fides) to protect legitimate public welfare objectives (health, safety, environment) do not constitute indirect expropriation.
• Host states are expressly permitted to impose 'performance requirements' (exigences de rendement), such as local content or export quotas, to promote national development, provided these are set before the investment is established.
• The proposed dispute settlement system introduces a permanent list of 35 arbitrators and a formal appellate body to ensure uniform interpretation of the law and reduce conflicts of interest.
• A mandatory six-month 'cooling-off' period is required before initiating arbitration, during which parties must attempt an amicable settlement, including mandatory mediation if no other method is agreed upon.
• The model requires the exhaustion of local remedies before an investor can initiate international arbitration, unless it is proven that such remedies are unavailable or lack independence.
• To ensure transparency, all arbitration documents, including notices of intent and final awards, must be made public via a website, and oral hearings must be open to the public.
• The agreement proposes the creation of a Legal Assistance Center to help developing and least-developed countries respond to investor complaints or initiate proceedings against investors.

APA

Mann, H., von Moltke, K., Peterson, L. E., & Cosbey, A. (2006). Modèle d’accord international sur l’investissement pour le développement durable (IIDD). International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/investment_model_int_handbook_fr.pdf

Chicago

Mann, Howard, Konrad von Moltke, Luke Eric Peterson, and Aaron Cosbey. Modèle d’accord international sur l’investissement pour le développement durable (IIDD). International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2006. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/investment_model_int_handbook_fr.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Mann |first1=Howard |last2=von Moltke |first2=Konrad |last3=Peterson |first3=Luke Eric |last4=Cosbey |first4=Aaron |title=Modèle d’accord international sur l’investissement pour le développement durable (IIDD) |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=2006 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/investment_model_int_handbook_fr.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{mann2006modle, author = {Mann, Howard and von Moltke, Konrad and Peterson, Luke Eric and Cosbey, Aaron}, title = {{Modèle d’accord international sur l’investissement pour le développement durable (IIDD)}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2006}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/investment_model_int_handbook_fr.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }