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This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development analyzes the state of agricultural negotiations ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14). It identifies persistent deadlocks regarding domestic support, public food stocks, and market access, while highlighting three specific areas where Least Developed Countries (LDCs) could achieve tangible progress: reducing cotton subsidies, improving market access for cotton products, and securing exemptions from export restrictions.

This research paper analyzes the state of agricultural negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). It details persistent disagreements over domestic support, public food stocks, and market access, while identifying three specific areas where Least Developed Countries (LDCs) could achieve tangible progress: the reduction of trade-distorting cotton subsidies, improved market access for cotton products, and exemptions from export restrictions.

This research paper by Robert Howse analyzes the current state of the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement system following the blockage of the Appellate Body by the Trump administration. Howse argues that despite the absence of a functioning Appellate Body, the system remains resilient as panels continue to follow established jurisprudence, and some members are experimenting with ad hoc arbitration mechanisms like the MPIA.

This research paper by Pierre Sauvé argues for the modernization of industrial policy to center on the services economy. The author contends that while current industrial policies remain rooted in 20th-century manufacturing paradigms, services now drive global innovation, productivity, and competitiveness, acting as essential inputs for all economic sectors.

This briefing analyzes the potential impact of the OECD and G20 Inclusive Framework's global tax reforms—specifically Pillar One and Pillar Two—on resource-rich developing countries and the mining sector. While some extractive industries are excluded from certain new taxing rights, the document warns that other elements of the reform could undermine national sovereignty and the ability of developing nations to collect revenue from their natural resources.

This research paper by Pierre Sauvé argues for a paradigm shift in industrial policy, moving from a traditional focus on manufacturing to one that prioritizes the services economy. The author contends that services are no longer merely residual activities but are essential inputs that drive productivity, innovation, and competitiveness across all economic sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing.

This research paper by Kitrhona Cerri and Maria Mexi examines the evolution of industrial policy in the digital age, using Kenya as a primary case study. The authors argue that traditional industrial policy, once focused on factories and physical goods, must now shift toward the governance of digital infrastructures, algorithms, and data to avoid reproducing structural dependencies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

This research paper by Colette van der Ven argues that African nations must proactively integrate circular economy principles into their clothing and textile industries to achieve sustainable industrialization (SDG 9) and sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12). The author highlights opportunities in sustainable input production, green manufacturing, and the repurposing of second-hand clothing imports to drive economic transformation and maintain competitiveness, particularly in the European Union market.

This briefing note by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) argues that financing strategies for climate change adaptation in developing countries must be aligned with broader national development plans and other international financing frameworks to avoid fragmentation and maximize resource mobilization.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes the outcomes of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the UNFCCC held in Durban, South Africa, in 2011. It evaluates the progress made toward a binding global climate agreement, the operationalization of financing and adaptation mechanisms, and the remaining gaps in mitigation ambition.

This report examines the tension between trade liberalization and environmental conservation in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). It highlights how rapid economic growth and infrastructure development have exacerbated illegal wildlife and timber trade and increased vulnerability to climate change, while regional governance remains hampered by non-binding agreements and limited administrative capacity.

This report analyzes the clean energy market for electricity generation in Chile, examining the current state of the electricity grid, investment trends, and the regulatory framework. It identifies significant potential for non-conventional renewable energy (NCRE) but highlights substantial economic, regulatory, and financial barriers that hinder large-scale adoption.

This report examines the potential, status, and barriers facing Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in developing countries. It analyzes how ESCOs use energy performance contracting (EPC) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, highlighting China as a major success story while identifying systemic financing, administrative, and policy hurdles in other regions.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the need for international cooperation on the design and implementation of Border Carbon Adjustments (BCAs). It identifies key technical and political friction points—such as emissions calculation standards, geographical exemptions, and revenue use—and evaluates various multilateral, regional, and bilateral forums that could facilitate a coordinated approach to avoid trade tensions and administrative burdens.

This fact sheet describes the Trade Knowledge Network (TKN), a global collaboration of research institutions coordinated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) since 1998. The TKN aims to promote sustainable development by strengthening research capacity in developing countries and generating policy analysis on trade and investment.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam. It details the current legislative status, the deployment of emissions trading systems (ETS), and the challenges associated with carbon taxes and international trade implications, such as the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

This fact sheet describes a joint project by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Climate Change and Development Consultants (CC&D), and the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) to analyze how the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, with a specific focus on Chile.

This briefing, based on a June 2020 virtual roundtable by CEEW and IISD, analyzes the impacts of COVID-19 on India's electricity sector. It details the financial distress of distribution companies (DISCOMs), the operational challenges faced by thermal and renewable energy producers, and the government's proposed recovery measures, including a stimulus package and loan terms from PFC-REC.

This research paper by Aaron Cosbey of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the conceptual, legal, and geopolitical challenges of implementing Border Carbon Adjustments (BCAs). It analyzes BCAs as tools to address industrial competitiveness and carbon leakage, while evaluating their compatibility with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and their potential impact on international climate negotiations.

This briefing note, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and CUTS International, Geneva, examines the challenges faced by developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) within the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on E-commerce. It highlights a significant digital divide and capacity gaps that hinder these nations' ability to participate in negotiations and implement future agreements. The document proposes shifting from a narrow focus on regulatory cooperation toward a comprehensive approach that includes 'enabling issues' such as infrastructure and technical assistance, and suggests adopting a hybrid Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) model based on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to ensure capacity-building commitments are enforceable.