What's new in sustainable development

Turning Data Into Action for Nature-Based Solutions

A group of people stand and inspect a monitoring pump in a village.

Reliable biophysical data is essential for implementing effective nature-based solutions. But for many catchments in sub-Saharan Africa, regular monitoring is limited or absent. Aging equipment, insufficient funding, and limited technical capacity mean that cities are working with incomplete datasets.

Through the SUNCASA project, partners in Dire Dawa, Kigali, and Johannesburg are strengthening their capacity to monitor water and soil conditions, erosion, and climate risks. Our expert, Stanley Chasia, explains how consistent data analysis helps refine strategies, attract investment, and strengthen climate action.

Two people walk by the entrance to the World Trade Organization's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Digital Trade at the WTO: Why it matters ahead of MC14

From online shopping to virtual services, digital activities are central to the global economy. As countries consider how to coordinate and govern these, many of the key global-level conversations are taking place at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Our new report explains how these discussions are unfolding as governments prepare for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14)—and why they matter.

Woman sitting in an indoor stand selling different types of rice.

How WTO Rules on Domestic Support Impact Least Developed Countries

Global agricultural support now exceeds USD 800 billion annually, with nearly half channelled into policies that distort markets and harm the environment. In a new article, our agricultural trade analyst Facundo Calvo argues that while WTO negotiations have traditionally focused on overall levels of support, the way that support is distributed—and concentrated—across commodities is just as critical.

View of a city in the mountains, with a blue sky above.

Smart Tax Policy Helps Laos Attract Sustainable Investment and Protect Public Revenue

For years, Laos relied on broad tax incentives to attract foreign investment. But many were too generous and failed to deliver the expected benefits, draining public revenue and limiting funds for health, education, and development. Our new story explores how the government revised its Investment Promotion Law to attract sustainable investment.

People gather outside of the COP 30 convention hall in Belém, Brazil.

Tool Update: UNFCCC Submissions Tracker

Want to shape the UN climate change negotiations without travelling to the big COPs? We’ve updated our tool that tracks open opportunities for non-governmental organizations, businesses, researchers, and governments to send reports or advice to the UNFCCC on what emerged from COP 30.

A woman wearing a high-visibility vest completes repairs on an airplane engine.

The Latest Issue of the Trade and Sustainability Review Is Out!

Industrial policy is back—again—but this time it looks nothing like the playbooks of the past. Around the world, governments are trying to steer economies through a turbulent mix of digital disruption, green transitions, shifting labour markets, and new geopolitical pressures. This edition of the Trade and Sustainability Review examines five distinct and often underexplored dimensions of industrial policy.

Job Opportunities at IISD

At IISD, we believe in investing in people who are passionate and talented at what they do. Help enhance our work across all of our focus areas and make an impact on the planet and its people.

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