INTEGRATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS INTO TRADE AND INVESTMENT TREATIES

Abstract

The need for a strategic tool for shaping investment policies in line with sustainability goals cannot be overemphasized. The research examined the integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into trade and investment treaties. This can help developing countries in devising investment agreements that are conducive to promoting and facilitating sustainable investments. The critical step towards aligning international economic law basic concepts of trade and investment treaties with global sustainability objectives, has prompted the global community to align trade and investment policies with the SDGs. The research analysed the evolving trend toward integrating sustainability-oriented provisions in international economic agreements. It explored the rationale behind this integration and further discussed the challenges and opportunities. In particular, the research highlighted the mechanisms through which SDG objectives are integrated in treaty language, such as preambles, general exceptions, investor obligations, and dispute settlement provisions. The paper found that non integration of the SDG objectives into trade and investment treaties is inimical to global economic governance and sustainable economic development. The research recommended for an enhanced strategies for coherence between trade liberalization and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It concluded that the integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into trade and investment treaties will ensure that global economic governance contributes meaningfully to the achievement of the SDGs 2030 Agenda. track exchanges on an international investment policy environment that contributes to sustainable development is a sure way to global economic governance and economic development.