International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a response to rising global concern about environment, economy and the well-being of people. Its mandate is to promote sustainable development in decision making.

USD's focus is twofold:

Policy Research

To integrate environment, economy and social needs into decision making at all levels, including personal, community, national and international:

• reforming public and private sector policies regarding budgets, trade, accountability and other key determinants of sustainable development;
• influencing personal and community actions;
• creating and modifying institutions for the transition to sustainable development.

Communications

To engage people of all backgrounds in producing and sharing knowledge about sustainable development:

• identifying locally generated knowledge and action for broader dissemination and integration into decision making.
• exploring new ways to communicate sustainable development concepts and practices.
• providing broad access to sustainable development information.

IISD works through networks and partnerships in a global effort.

It is forging partnerships around the world with international organizations, national bodies, businesses, universities, NGOs, local communities and others in seeking sustainable development solutions.

The creation of the IISD was part of Canada's response to the Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (the Brundtland Report), which called for cooperation among government, business, the voluntary sector and individuals toward the integration of environment and economy is decision making.

IISD was officially established in March 1990. It is located at:

161 Portage Avenue East 6th floor Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3B 0Y4 Tel.: (204) 958 7700 Fax: (204) 958 7710