Established in 1990, IISD is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides practical solutions to the challenge of integrating environmental and social priorities with economic development. We report on international negotiations, conduct rigorous research, and engage citizens, businesses and policy-makers on the shared goal of developing sustainably.  

The institute has offices in Canada, Switzerland and the United States, and operates in over 70 countries around the world. As a registered charitable organization in Canada, IISD has 501 (c) (3) status in the U.S. IISD receives core operating support from the Government of Canada, as provided through the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Province of Manitoba. The institute also receives project funding from numerous governments inside and outside Canada, United Nations agencies, foundations and the private sector.

Our 2014-2019 Strategic Plan builds upon IISD’s core strengths in advancing integrated, multidisciplinary and leading-edge perspectives and real-world solutions to sustainability. The strategy consolidates different IISD work streams in a focused and integrated manner. A core purpose of the strategy is to build a single, coherent institution capable of providing integrated and holistic solutions to sustainability challenges. Our brochure provides a snaphot of IISD's strategy and the work of our programs.