Trade and Investment Accords for Sustainable Development Goals 12–17

Chapter 21 focuses on how trade and investment agreements may contribute to international efforts to achieve SDGs 12 to 17, which address responsible consumption and production patterns (SDG 12), combatting climate change (SDG 13), conservation and sustainable use of marine resources (SDG 14), and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15). SDG 16, which calls for peace, justice and strong institutions for sustainable development, is also canvassed in its links to securing stability, effective governance and human rights. Finally, SDG 17, which calls on all countries to build partnerships towards achieving sustainable development, is discussed as the foundation of all the SDGs in the concluding note to this chapter, particularly given its explicit provisions on economic cooperation, trade, investment and finance.