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The Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development is a dynamic document created to help governments formulate sound investment policy, especially international investment agreements , that capitalize on foreign direct investment for sustainable development. It was prepared by the Division on Investment and Enterprise of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. IPFSD is not a negotiated text or undertaking between States; but rather an initiative by the UNCTAD Secretariat that represents expert guidance while leaving domestic policy makers free to adapt and adopt. IPFSD is the result of numerous consultations with experts and is intended as a platform to provide for further consultation and discussion with all investment stakeholders. The main objective of the IPFSD is to create a balance between the rights and obligations of States and investors while maintaining attractive investment environments.
In the face of persistent global economic and social challenges, UNCTAD's IPFSD intends to:
To that end, IPFSD defines eleven critical core principles. Flowing from these core principles IPFSD provides States guidelines and advice on formulating good investment policy including clause-by-clause options for negotiators to enhance the sustainable development value of domestic investment policies.