International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
Mission and Goals: The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to fulfill a bold commitment: to create a world where people and the planet thrive. Our vision: A world where people and the planet thrive. Our mission: To accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resources, and fair economies. Our values: People - Our primary focus is improving the lives of people and communities, fostering a more equitable and sustainable world. Planet - We are committed to supporting the healthy ecosystems and biodiversity that underpin all thriving communities. Excellence - We produce work of the highest quality, and our independent advice is backed by evidence. Collaboration - We believe diverse partnerships produce better and more resilient outcomes. Impact - We aim for creative, bold solutions with significant impact. We create the knowledge to act.
Company details
Find locations served, office locations
- Business Type:
- Publishing company
- Industry Type:
- Environmental Management
- Market Focus:
- Globally (various continents)
- Year Founded:
- 1990
- Employees:
- 101-1000
Welcome
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to create a world where people and the planet thrive.
What We Do
Our research and policy work focuses on areas we deem ripe for transformation, where shifts in policy have the potential to change the game and where we have a proven record of making significant gains.
Climate
Address the causes of climate change and adapt to its impact.
Resources
Support the sustainable management of our natural resources.
Economies
Foster fair and sustainable economies.
About Us
Our strategy
As Canada’s voice for sustainable development around the world, we are inspired by the words of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Announcing the founding of IISD to the United Nations in 1988, he reminded world leaders that:
“Mankind is not destined to destroy itself; war is not inevitable; poverty can be alleviated; the environment can be preserved; injustices can be made right.”
The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney
Powered by this conviction, IISD has been a continuous force for change for 30 years, experiencing remarkable growth—nearly doubling in revenue since 2014—and making indelible impacts along the way.
These five core priorities guide our work toward a sustainable future.
Economic Law & Policy
Enabling economic policy-making in support of sustainable development, including investment, trade, public procurement, infrastructure financing, and sustainability standards, with sector-specific practices in agriculture and mining.
Energy
Supporting clean and just energy transitions by developing evidence, advocating, working with partners, and directly advising governments in Canada and in large emerging economies around the world.
Resilience
Helping governments, civil society, communities, and businesses manage climate- and conflict-related risks and, through the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, supporting developing countries to advance NAP processes and accelerate climate change adaptation efforts.
Tracking Progress
Providing analyses, networking, and tools to interpret the state of sustainability in systems or regions, and promoting measurable, collaborative action.
Water
Creating better policy and programming solutions for governments, civil society, and industry to protect global freshwater supplies—based on scientific research conducted on whole lakes at our Experimental Lakes Area.