Investment is a critical driver for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. However, the global investment policy landscape remains dominated by outdated international investment agreements (IIAs), which often fail to address contemporary issues such as environmental protection, climate change, labor rights and public health. 

This has led to a rise in investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) cases, which can hinder states’ ability to pursue public policy objectives. While IIA reform is underway in many countries, including those in the Mediterranean region, barriers to reform persist.  More efforts are needed to align IIA reforms with sustainable development priorities and reduce the risks associated with ISDS.

For this purpose, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Secretariat, will host an in-person workshop in Geneva on key issues in international investment policymaking. 

The event will explore global trends in IIAs and ISDS, analyze key challenges in the existing IIA regime, trace the path towards accelerating IIA reform for sustainable development, and discuss on issues including IIA toolbox for the promotion of sustainable energy, investment facilitation, responsible and inclusive investment commitments in IIAs.

The participants of this workshop are from the UfM Member States, particularly government officials and experts involved in investment policymaking. 

Registration details and logistical information will be communicated directly to the UfM delegation.