Foreign direct investment can play a crucial role in advancing sustainable development. Investments can catalyze the transfer of capital and technology, job creation, linkages with local industries, infrastructure development, and capacity building. Yet international investments can also pose risks and challenges for host governments and their citizens. The extent to which benefits are realized and problems are avoided depends on the policies of governments and investors, and the institutions available to find satisfactory outcomes for all stakeholders.
CCSI focuses on analyzing important topical policy-oriented issues and constructing and implementing an investment framework that promotes sustainable development and the mutual trust needed for long-term investments that can be practically adopted by governments, companies and civil society. The Center leverages expertise from and shares knowledge with a vast network of policy makers, development advocates, scholars, business leaders and impacted communities committed to maximizing the benefits and minimizing the costs of investment for sustainable development. CCSI also regularly collaborates with other Earth Institute centers and faculty, as well as institutions worldwide, integrating our expertise in law, economics and investment with diverse fields of sustainable development.
The Center undertakes its mission through interdisciplinary research, advisory projects, multi-stakeholder dialogue, educational programs, and the development of resources and tools.
CCSI has also defined a five-pillar framework for sustainable international investment that underpins CCSI’s mission and approach throughout its research and advisory work.