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The report examines the proposed Multilateral Framework on Investment Facilitation (MFIF) being developed through a Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) among WTO Members. It identifies significant overlaps between the MFIF and existing WTO agreements, particularly the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the JSI on Services Domestic Regulation (SDR), noting that the MFIF often imposes 'GATS-extra' obligations. The analysis warns that despite the MFIF's explicit exclusion of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS), its disciplines could still be enforced through IIAs via umbrella clauses, fair and equitable treatment (FET) standards, and most-favoured-nation (MFN) provisions, potentially exposing states to monetary compensation claims in investor-state tribunals.

The report analyzes the proposed Africa-EU strategy ahead of the October 2020 summit, comparing EU priorities with the AU's Agenda 2063. It identifies gaps in the EU's approach, particularly regarding poverty, health, debt cancellation, and infrastructure, and recommends a revamped partnership based on mutual accountability and a people-centred approach.

The paper examines how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in India's environmental governance, noting that while lockdowns temporarily improved air and water quality, the period also saw a rise in industrial disasters and the dilution of environmental impact assessment rules. It highlights the intersection of environmental degradation—such as deforestation and pollution—with increased vulnerability to pandemics and climate-driven extreme weather events. The author concludes that India's economic recovery packages lack long-term environmental vision and calls for the stringent implementation of environmental laws to build socio-ecological resilience.

The IAI Executive Directorate's 2019-2020 report details progress in transdisciplinary research, capacity building, and open science, while noting significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key achievements include the launch of the Science, Technology, and Policy (STeP) fellowship program in Argentina and the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Organization of American States (OAS). The report also highlights efforts to align scientific agendas with human systems and the development of a flexible funding mechanism for the Americas in collaboration with the Belmont Forum.

On 7 July 2020, the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO) convened a meeting with the Botswana APRM Civil Society Working Group. The primary goal was to collapse a broad list of governance concerns into 12 concise issues to facilitate a coherent civil society submission. Participants debated the interrelation of topics such as human rights, foreign policy, and sustainable development, eventually assigning specific organisations to draft sections on these themes. A total of R84,000 was allocated to be divided among the organisations responsible for the drafting process, with a target submission date in the first week of August.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), acting as amicus curiae, argues that the KwaZulu-Natal High Court erred in ruling that Tendele Coal Mining (Pty) Ltd did not require a separate environmental authorisation under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) for its operations. The CER contends that an Environmental Management Programme (EMP) approved under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) is not equivalent to a NEMA authorisation. The CER further argues that the High Court's refusal of interdictory relief based on the existence of alternative remedies under section 28 of NEMA is a dangerous precedent that undermines judicial enforcement of environmental rights. Finally, the CER seeks the overturning of a costs order against the appellants, asserting it creates a chilling effect and ignores the protections for public interest litigants provided in section 32(2) of NEMA.

The IAI and SECTEI have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on science diplomacy and government scientific advisory, specifically focusing on global environmental change and sustainable development. A primary initial activity is the integration of Mexico City scientific advisors into the IAI Science, Technology and Policy Fellowship (STeP) program. Under this agreement, SECTEI will propose at least four fellows for the 2020-2021 period and manage their institutional conditions, while the IAI will provide professional training, fund two international trips per fellow, and facilitate international networking. The collaboration aims to strengthen the 'Catedra de Diplomacia y Patrimonio de la Ciencia' and the 'Programa de Estancias de Interfaz Ciencia-Politica de la Ciudad de México' to ensure public policy is based on scientific evidence.

The document outlines a transition from administrative to strategic public procurement in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting four regional case studies and ten essential components for reform to support sustainable development.

The IAI has launched the STeP Fellowship Program, starting with a pilot in Argentina's agricultural sector involving three post-doctoral scientists funded by CREA and CONICET. Modeled after the AAAS program, STeP aims to place scientists in government or private organizations to facilitate the integration of scientific knowledge into policy processes across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The report evaluates Jamaica's mining policy framework, noting that while the sector contributes 2.2% of GDP and employs 6,000 workers, most minerals beyond bauxite/alumina are in early development stages. It aims to align the sector with the Vision 2030 national development plan by optimizing financial and socioeconomic benefits and improving environmental management.

The document examines the need for strategic alignment between Nepal's national policy frameworks—specifically those concerning sustainable development, climate change, and disaster risk reduction—following the country's 2015 constitutional change. It highlights the ongoing review of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the relaunch of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process as key opportunities to improve the coherence and efficiency of climate action.

The document analyzes Manitoba's 2018 climate accountability legislation, highlighting its use of a 'carbon savings account' with five-year cumulative emission reduction targets and an independent expert advisory council. While praising the framework's governance and the advantage of cumulative budgets over annual targets, the study notes that the absence of long-term targets and a multi-budget strategy reduces predictability and accountability for investors and policymakers.

The document examines Manitoba's 2018 climate accountability legislation, highlighting the Carbon Savings Account (CSA) and the role of the Expert Advisory Council. While praising the cumulative emissions budget approach, it notes that the lack of long-term targets and the practice of setting budgets one-at-a-time reduce predictability and accountability.

The GCF's project-specific assessment approach (PSAA) allows non-accredited entities to receive funding for a single project by demonstrating the capacity to meet GCF fiduciary, environmental, social, and gender standards for that specific activity. Unlike institutional accreditation, which focuses on organization-wide systems, the PSAA evaluates the entity's ability to deliver a targeted proposal, specifically those in category C/intermediation 3 or category B/intermediation 2. The process involves a two-stage review: an institutional capacity assessment (including project track record checks) and the finalization of legal arrangements. Entities assessed with 'high capacity' are recommended for funding, while those with 'medium capacity' require mitigating factors, and 'low capacity' entities are not recommended. Approved entities are deemed accredited only for the specific project and must report annually on how their broader portfolio is evolving toward low-emission and climate-resilient development.

The guide outlines 20 essential components of a comprehensive legal framework for ESIA in the mining sector, covering the entire mine life cycle from exploration to post-closure. It emphasizes the importance of integrating social impacts alongside environmental ones, ensuring meaningful stakeholder engagement, and establishing robust financial assurances for mine closure. The document provides a phased roadmap for government action, practical tools for gap analysis and legal reform, and case studies on investor-state disputes to illustrate the risks of inadequate ESIA processes.

This guide provides a comprehensive framework for governments to implement and improve legal requirements for Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) in the large-scale mining sector. It details 20 key components of an integral legal framework, covering the entire mine life cycle from exploration to post-closure. The document emphasizes the importance of public participation, financial guarantees for mine closure, and the avoidance of legal stabilization clauses for environmental and social provisions to ensure sustainable development and reduce the risk of international investment disputes.

The document outlines a comprehensive approach to mining governance, emphasizing the necessity of a robust legal framework for Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP). It details the responsibilities of governments across five mining phases: prospecting, exploration, planning, construction/operation, and closure/post-mining transition. Key recommendations include ensuring legal consistency, mandating public participation and transparency, requiring financial guarantees for site restoration, and implementing strategic environmental assessments. The guide also provides practical tools for gap analysis and legal reform, while highlighting critical issues such as gender equality, indigenous rights, and the prevention of international investment disputes through clear, non-arbitrary regulatory processes.

The report assesses the alignment of Nepal's climate, disaster risk, and sustainable development policies within a new federal governance structure. It identifies six key entry points for alignment: institutional arrangements, existing policy synergies, capacity building, information-sharing mechanisms, implementation and financing strategies, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The document argues that strategic alignment will increase coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness in achieving climate-resilient development goals.

The authors argue that pandemic recovery stimulus should not compromise efforts to address climate change and air quality, but should instead use an integrated approach to identify efficient, low-cost solutions that provide multiple near-term benefits for both the economy and the environment.

The report advocates for the transformation of information and knowledge management (IKM) to support climate action, specifically targeting donors, knowledge professionals, and data scientists. While focused on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Europe, it proposes that its technological and methodological approaches are applicable globally across various sectors including mitigation and ecological conservation.