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The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) presents a model international investment agreement that shifts the focus from purely protecting foreign capital to integrating sustainable development, human rights, and environmental protections. The guide proposes a comprehensive framework of rights and obligations for investors, host states, and home states, including mandatory environmental and social impact assessments, anti-corruption measures, and a reformed dispute resolution mechanism featuring an appellate body and increased transparency.

The IISD proposes a new model for international investment agreements (IIAs) to replace outdated 20th-century frameworks. The model introduces mandatory investor obligations regarding environmental and social impact assessments, anti-corruption, and human rights, while preserving the right of host states to regulate for the public interest. It also proposes a systemic overhaul of dispute resolution, moving from ad hoc arbitration to a permanent panel and appellate system similar to the WTO.