Integrating Social and Environmental Considerations into Trade and Investment Agreements, for Sustainable Development

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the findings of the research and draws together the explanations of these findings explored throughout the volume. Key findings include; the observation that States are adopting sustainable development as part of the ‘object and purpose’ of trade law, both in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and in many regional trade agreements (RTAs); the observation that States are also adopting innovative operational provisions to prevent trade and investment law from constraining legitimate new environment and social development measures and the enhancement of trade and investment in more sustainable sectors; as well as the observation that that there is an important procedural aspect to the integration of environmental and social development concerns in trade and investment law and policy. Drawing on these findings, the chapter summarizes opportunities for States to address key tensions between trade, environmental and social development regulations through the adoption of integration measures for sustainable development in the treaties, and three steps that States can take towards meaningful integration.