UNCTAD Annual High-level IIA Conference - Phase 2 of IIA Reform

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UNCTAD Annual High-level IIA Conference - Phase 2 of IIA Reform

UNCTAD Annual High-level IIA Conference - Phase 2 of IIA Reform

Phase 2 of IIA Reform

Sustainable development-oriented IIA reform has made significant progress, with many countries now following UNCTAD’s Road Map for IIA Reform (phase 1 of IIA reform). However, much work remains to be done to modernize the existing stock of “old-generation” IIAs (phase 2 of IIA reform). The World Investment Report 2017 sets out and discusses 10 options to reform old-generation treaties that countries can adapt and adopt in line with their specific reform objectives.

As a follow up to the 2016 High-level IIA Conference at the Fifth World Investment Forum (WIF) held in Nairobi, Kenya, where countries called upon UNCTAD to assist in addressing the challenges arising from old-generation treaties, the October 2017 High-level IIA Conference will:

Take stock of reform areas and available policy options

Share experiences and identify best practices for phase 2 of IIA reform

Chart the way forward for sustainable development-oriented IIA reform

Format

The conference will comprise a combination of high-level plenary sessions and breakout working sessions, coupled with lunch time-events. The high-level plenary sessions will be live-webcasted, and ample time will be provided for networking. Speakers and attendees will include high-level IIA negotiators from developing, transition and developed countries; and key representatives from intergovernmental organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector.

Two lunch time side events will be hosted by the European Commission and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Monday, 9 October, 13:15-14:45, Room XXVI, "Multilateral Reform of ISDS: Possible paths forward," hosted by the European Commission. The event will focus on the background and need for a multilateral reform of ISDS, objectives, possible features and next steps, followed by a discussion.

Presentation by the European Commission: "Multilateral reform of ISDS: Possible paths forward"

Tuesday, 10 October, 13:15-14:45, Room XXVI, "The Pan African Investment Code (PAIC) and the investment chapter of the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA): Opportunities for rationalizing investment regulation in Africa," hosted by UNECA. Agenda here.

Practical Information

Outcomes and key documents: here

Date: 9-11 October 2017

Location: Room XXVI, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland

For more information, contact us at: WIF_IIA_Conference@unctad.org