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A report by Cecil le Fleur, Chairperson of the National Khoi San Council, regarding his attendance at the 13th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York in May 2014. The document details tensions between the Council and the South African government over the legal recognition of the Khoi and San, as well as international disputes regarding the participation of indigenous peoples in the upcoming World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.

A study by the NewClimate Institute assessing whether the domestic climate and energy policies of major greenhouse gas emitting countries are sufficient to meet their 2020 emission reduction pledges.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the trade dynamics between South Africa and its BRICS partners (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) from 1995 to 2011. It examines trade value, intensity, complementarity, and structure, noting a significant shift in South Africa's trade balance and a growing reliance on primary commodity exports to meet the demand of emerging economies, particularly China.

This research paper analyzes the legal implications of the 2014 annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, examining the conflict between the right to self-determination and the principles of territorial integrity and national unity under international law.

An open letter from a coalition of social movements, NGOs, and activists to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, urging a revision of the official definition of 'forests' to better reflect the biological diversity and the needs of forest-dependent communities.

This research paper analyzes the proposed New Development Bank (NDB) led by the BRICS nations, examining its potential funding models, spending priorities, and currency choices. The author argues that a democratic governance structure with equal contributions is the most viable path to ensure the bank's legitimacy and facilitate the entry of other emerging economies.

This report provides a comparative analysis of the trade policies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It examines their political coordination, their specific roles and proposals during the Doha Round negotiations, and their use of trade instruments such as tariffs, subsidies, and anti-dumping measures. The document highlights areas of convergence, particularly in defending the interests of developing countries, and areas of divergence stemming from different economic growth models.

This research paper examines the development of green economies within the BRICS nations, analyzing how individual national economic priorities and policy approaches have led to varying levels of adoption and skepticism toward green growth.

This fact sheet explores the relationship between national climate change legislation and a country's position and ambition within international climate negotiations, specifically within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

This policy brief examines the intersection of bioenergy market development and climate change adaptation in the Nordic region, specifically focusing on Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. It analyzes how globalization and climate-driven shifts in productivity and logistics affect the supply chains of bioethanol, biodiesel, wood pellets, and wood chips.

This 2014 policy report by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the water-energy nexus, specifically focusing on the sustainability of hydropower and bioenergy. It analyzes the environmental and social trade-offs of these energy sources, provides a detailed case study of Sweden's hydropower experience, and offers strategic recommendations for development assistance organizations supporting private sector bioenergy projects in developing countries.

This report by the Center for International Environmental Law provides an overview of cases from 2013 involving the harassment, criminalization, and killing of land and environmental rights defenders globally. It highlights the systemic risks faced by individuals opposing extractive industries, large-scale development projects, and land grabbing, noting that these defenders are often targeted by both state forces and non-state actors, including corporations.

This research paper examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) and net investment income on South Africa's current account deficit. It argues that while FDI is beneficial for growth, the trend of transnational companies prioritizing short-term shareholder value over long-term reinvestment creates economic vulnerabilities, particularly during downturns. The author recommends policy shifts to attract FDI that is labour-absorbing, export-oriented, and focused on reinvesting profits within the domestic economy.

This research paper examines China's approach to the green economy and its interaction with the G-20, specifically following the 2012 Los Cabos Summit in Mexico. The author argues that while China is domestically committed to greening its economic development due to severe environmental degradation, it remains reluctant to accept mandatory international obligations that might hinder its economic growth. The paper highlights a disconnect between China's internal policy terminology and the 'inclusive green growth' framework promoted at the G-20, suggesting that China's organizational structure for G-20 participation further marginalizes environmental policy.

This statement by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), submitted on behalf of itself, Friends of the Earth, Sierra Club, and Center for Biological Diversity, warns that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) could undermine public health and environmental protections, particularly regarding toxic chemicals. The document argues that the pursuit of 'regulatory coherence' through harmonization and mutual recognition may lower standards to a 'lowest-common denominator,' preempt sub-national laws, and create chilling effects on the development of safety regulations globally.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyses the state of Russia–South Africa relations as of October 2013. It examines the historical development of bilateral ties, the mechanisms of political and economic cooperation, and the challenges hindering deeper engagement, such as weak civil society links and a lack of mutual knowledge.

This briefing argues that the international community should use the process of Syria's accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) as a catalyst for a broader, holistic approach to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) disarmament, specifically within the Middle East.

Carroll Muffett, President and CEO of the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), provided testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives on July 24, 2013, regarding the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The statement argues that TTIP could undermine public health and environmental protections, particularly in the chemicals sector, by prioritizing the removal of regulatory barriers over safety standards. Muffett advocates for the retention of national rights to determine health protection levels and the exclusion of investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms.

This research paper by GLOBE International examines the relationship between domestic climate change legislation and a country's negotiating position within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It argues that strong national laws act as an enabler for international ambition by creating political space, increasing economic competitiveness, and building confidence among leaders and investors.

The Sovereign Emission Rights Framework is a proposal by Sandbag, submitted to the European Commission in 2013, for an equitable global emissions trading regime. It argues that emissions rights should be distributed based on 1990 population shares and that historical emissions since 1990 should be counted against these budgets to avoid 'hot air' and ensure a fair distribution of the remaining carbon space needed to avoid 2°C of warming.