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This executive summary, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in April 2026, analyzes the dispute settlement functions within 167 national investment laws. It examines the prevalence of dispute prevention, management, and settlement (PGRD) provisions, highlighting the risks associated with 'prior consent' to arbitration and providing a framework for policymakers to reform national investment laws to minimize legal and financial risks.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes the dispute settlement functions within 167 national investment laws. It examines the prevalence of various mechanisms—including national courts, arbitration, administrative review, and amicable settlements—and provides a framework for policymakers to design or reform these laws to minimize legal and financial risks, specifically warning against the inclusion of prior consent to international arbitration.

This white paper by the ARE Financier Circle examines how Results-Based Financing (RBF) for mini-grids in sub-Saharan Africa can be optimized to better mobilize private commercial capital. It argues that current RBF designs often prioritize short-term connection numbers over long-term business viability, creating 'cliff-edge risks' and administrative barriers that deter investors. The paper proposes a four-pillar approach focusing on aligning impact metrics with commercial sustainability, adjusting disbursement schedules to support capital raises, introducing lifecycle risk mitigation instruments, and fostering ecosystem-wide collaboration.

This research paper by Jakkie Cilliers outlines principles for reforming the UN Security Council (UNSC) to better reflect current global power dynamics and increase legitimacy. The author argues for an expanded Council that balances representation with functionality and realism, proposing the removal of the veto and the introduction of minimum capacity criteria for membership.

This research paper proposes a structural reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to align it with modern representative norms, introducing a tiered membership system based on 'Global Power' criteria and proportional election via the General Assembly.

This research paper by Jakkie Cilliers of the Institute for Security Studies argues that the UN Security Council (UNSC) is losing legitimacy and effectiveness because its structure is out of step with current geopolitical realities. The author highlights the dysfunction caused by the dominance of the five permanent members (P5) and the need for reform to address 21st-century security threats, including cybercrime, AI, and regional conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.

This research paper by Jakkie Cilliers outlines the legal mechanisms for amending the UN Charter to reform the UN Security Council and warns that the high threshold for ratification threatens the legitimacy of the entire UN system.

This research design document outlines the multi-method approach used by the Institute for Security Studies to assess state governance trends and future trajectories in the Global South. The methodology integrates World Bank governance indicators, expert workshops, horizon scanning, and a four-scenario framework to analyze how geopolitical, economic, and social forces influence the role of the state.

This research paper by Jakkie Cilliers analyzes the failure of UN Security Council (UNSC) reform, attributing the deadlock to the entrenched positions of negotiating blocks and the P5 members' desire to maintain the veto power and their associated privileges.

This research paper argues that the UN Security Council (UNSC) requires structural reform due to its eroding authority and a global shift in power. Using forecasting data, the author suggests that future legitimacy depends on including the US, China, and India, while proposing a move away from permanent vetoes toward verifiable criteria for global power and the potential inclusion of regional coalitions.

A statement from a coalition of business, civil society, and research stakeholders urging ministers at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) to place sustainable development at the center of the World Trade Organization's reform agenda.

This report by the Africa Policy Research Institute details Nigeria's 2025 climate transition efforts, highlighting a shift from policy ambition to implementation through new energy policies, solarisation initiatives, and the establishment of a national carbon market framework.

A report by the Africa Policy Research Institute detailing Nigeria's transition from climate policy ambition to concrete implementation in 2025, highlighting strategic leadership changes, new energy policies, and the mobilization of significant climate finance.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes the implications of a July 2025 International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change for international investment law. It argues that the ICJ's recognition of climate action as a binding legal obligation undermines investor claims based on 'legitimate expectations' for fossil fuel activities and provides states with stronger legal defenses against Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) claims.

This report summarizes the results of a 2025 public consultation conducted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to identify pressing policy problems in international investment governance and determine the ideal tools—such as national laws or treaties—to address them.

The global pipeline for wind and utility-scale solar projects grew by 11% in 2025, reaching 4.9 TW. While China and India lead in construction and prospective capacity, G7 nations show stagnant growth in their pipelines, creating a gap in meeting the COP28 goal to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.

This report by RMI examines the role of zero-carbon industrial parks in accelerating China's green transition and high-quality economic growth, analyzing technical, business, and institutional innovations required to meet national climate goals.

This research paper examines the evolving landscape of critical minerals diplomacy, arguing that current multilateral trade rules are insufficient to balance the economic security needs of consuming nations with the industrialization goals of resource-rich developing countries. The author analyzes the rise of non-binding sectoral partnerships and plurilateral initiatives led by developed nations, warning that these may reinforce power asymmetries. The paper proposes utilizing the World Trade Organization (WTO) or regional groupings as more neutral platforms to establish a rules-based system that supports sustainable sourcing and domestic value addition in producer economies.

This briefing, published by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and partners, provides a structured 'Litigation Note' to help legal practitioners apply the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) July 23, 2025, advisory opinion (AO) on States' obligations regarding climate change. The document focuses specifically on the legal frameworks for remedies and reparations, detailing how the ICJ AO clarifies State responsibility for internationally wrongful acts related to climate harm and how these findings can be integrated into domestic, regional, and international litigation against both States and corporate actors.

This litigation note, published by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and its partners, provides a structured guide for lawyers to integrate the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) July 2025 advisory opinion (AO) on climate change into adaptation-related litigation. It distills the ICJ's findings on State obligations under climate treaties and human rights law, emphasizing the legally binding nature of adaptation planning and financial support for developing nations.