We are pleased to share the newly released Research Handbook on Investment Law and Sustainable Development, edited by Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Chair in Sustainable Development Law and Policy, University of Cambridge and Senior Director, Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL); Prof. Ted Gleason, Associate Professor, Grenoble Ecole de Management, France and Adv. Sean Stephenson, Dentons Canada LLP and published by Edward Elgar. This cutting-edge Research Handbook examines how investment law and policy can foster or frustrate sustainable development goals and accords. Expert authors explore opportunities for environmental, social, and economic rules to shape international investment flows, advancing global sustainability and justice.
The book is available to order from the Edward Elgar website here.
From the Foreword:
‘This well-structured Research Handbook carefully reflects upon the transition from limited functions of international investment law securing the rule of law to fostering sustainable development in recent case law and modern agreements. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger leads an impressive contribution to this effect. It is a most valuable source and essential reading for all working on international economic law, environmental law and the Sustainable Development Goals.’
– Thomas Cottier, University of Bern, Switzerland
There are several ways to already engage with the book as it is released:
- Author a Short Review in an Academic Journal, Blog, or Newsletter
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2. Order an Inspection Copy
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See below for more information about the newly-released book:
Featuring contributions from leading professors and practitioners, the Research Handbook analyzes innovative legal procedures including sustainability impact assessment, examines new treaty provisions advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and considers emerging practices in dispute resolution. Chapters evaluate evolving international investment rules in light of recent law and policy changes, outlining strategies for incentivizing more sustainable development. Ultimately, they argue that international law can and should guide investment decisions which affect human rights, environmental protection and poverty eradication.
Presenting novel proposals, this Research Handbook is a crucial resource for scholars and practitioners in international investment law, environmental law, human rights law, and sustainable development law. Its insights will also benefit policy leaders in governments, tribunals and international organizations.
Contents and Full List of Contributors:
FOUNDATIONS FOR ANALYSIS
- Introduction to the Research Handbook on Investment Law and Sustainable Development
Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Ted Gleason and Sean Stephenson - Contributions of international investment law to the Sustainable Development Goals
Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Ted Gleason and Tooba Shahzad
EVOLVING INVESTMENT PROTECTION REGIMES IN LIGHT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SCOPING INVESTMENT RELATIONSHIPS
- Definitions of investment and investors
Stefanie Schacherer and August Reinisch - Impact assessment of investment agreements for sustainable development
Markus W. Gehring and Christoph U. Priess - Advances in investment screening under EU law
Steffen Hindelang and Andreas Moberg
EVALUATING INVESTMENT LAW PRINCIPLES
- Full protection and security and environmental considerations
Ulyana Bardyn and Levon Golendukhin - Public interest measures, expropriation and sustainable development
Ted Gleason - Proportionality, standards of investment protection, and sustainable development
Gebhard Bucheler and Eric Belgorodski - Substantive standards and sustainable development as a sword and shield
Jeff Sullivan KC and Stephanie Collins
INVESTMENT TREATY COMMITMENTS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
- Investment instruments in treaties on SDGs 2 (zero hunger) and 6 (water)
Damilola Olawuyi and Alex Oche - Reconciliation of private investment protection and SDG 3 public health
Freya Baetens - Claims, third-party funding and SDGs 5 (gender) and 16 (justice and governance)
Annie Lesperance, Dana MacGrath and Gian Marco Solas - Achieving SDG 7 clean energy through international investment law, and beyond
Avidan Kent - Investment treaties and SDGs 8 (work), 9 (infrastructure) and 11 (cities)
J Anthony VanDuzer - Investment treaties and SDG 13 (climate action)
Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Markus W. Gehring, Marios Tokas, Javiera Caceres Bustamante and Matheus Frederico Paes Garcia - Sustainable development and international trade and investment: pathways for future ambition on SDGs 13 (climate action), 14 (oceans), and 15 (biodiversity)
Freedom-Kai Phillips - International investment, SDG 16 (justice and governance) and trade regimes
Alexandra Harrington
EMERGING PRIORITIES IN SUSTAINABILITY AND INVESTMENT DEBATES
- Crafting more sustainable investor-state dispute settlement procedures through the UNCITRAL ISDS reform process
Susanna Kam - The contribution of international financial institutions to international sustainable development law
Johanna Aleria P. Lorenzo - Implementation of Belt and Road investments and sustainable development across Asia
Manjiao Chi and Yueming Yan - Considering foreign investment in light of the sustainable development goals
Kabir A.N. Duggal
CONCLUSIONS
- Conclusions and future directions
Ted Gleason, Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger and Sean Stephenson