Executive summary

The aim of this paper is to update the first edition of UNCTAD's Pink Series paper on transparency. It seeks to examine (i) the way in which traditional transparency issues have been addressed in international investment agreements (IIAs) since 2004, (ii) the emergence of investor responsibilities as a consideration within transparency issues, and (iii) the introduction of a transparency dimension into investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS). In analysing these issues, this paper outlines possible sustainable development implications of the different transparency-related formulations used in IIAs and points to some of the most progressive provisions that are appearing more frequently in investment instruments.

Related Subject(s): United Nations