Empowering Civil Society: Shaping investment policies for climate and sustainable development in Africa
From 26-29 November 2024, Both ENDS and its partners will host the Civil Society Forum on Investment Policies, Climate and Sustainable Development Goals in Entebbe, Uganda. Our colleagues Iván and Fernando explain the importance of this event: “Through this event, we aim to provide an in-depth perspective on the impact of current investment policies on climate and environmental issues, with a strong focus on the African continent.”
From 26-29 November 2024, Both ENDS and its partners will host the Civil Society Forum on Investment Policies, Climate and Sustainable Development Goals in Entebbe, Uganda. Our colleagues Iván and Fernando explain the importance of this event: “Through this event, we aim to provide an in-depth perspective on the impact of current investment policies on climate and environmental issues, with a strong focus on the African continent.”
Why is Both ENDS organising this forum?
“We are organising it together with SOMO, ActionAid, TNI, and SEATINI, our main partner in East Africa. Through this event, we aim to provide an in-depth perspective on the impact of current investment policies on climate and environmental issues, with a strong focus on the African continent.
We also seek to support our local partner organisations in influencing local and national governments. Civil society organisations advocating for changes in investment policies, International Investment Agreements (IIAs), and harmful clauses - such as abolishing ISDS (Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanisms) - benefit enormously from technical (legal) expertise and shared knowledge. In the past, we’ve observed that this is often a prerequisite for success.”
What is Both ENDS' role?
“We contribute technical analysis on IIAs in international and multilateral arenas. Additionally, we foster knowledge exchange and enhance partners' capacities in technical expertise and advocacy. During this event, we will support working group sessions, facilitate discussions, and process the outcomes.”
When is the CSO forum considered a success?
“The forum will be successful if it results in a joint advocacy strategy for the African continent regarding existing investment policies and ongoing negotiations on new treaties and agreements. This is also the primary goal of our main partner in the region. By facilitating discussions and exchanges, we hope to achieve this objective.
Furthermore, the event provides opportunities to share relevant knowledge from our previous work and ongoing processes related to IIAs and other aspects of investment policy, particularly those connected to climate and environmental issues.
We also aim to strengthen existing collaborations with allies while anticipating future challenges, such as countering ISDS mechanisms, the ‘modernisation’ of Dutch BITs, and addressing issues related to social and gender justice, climate and environmental policies, and corporate due diligence, among others.”
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