Mission and Goals

Our Vision

A world where people and the planet thrive.

Our Mission

To solve today’s greatest sustainable development challenges. Through trusted research, advice, and collaboration, we transform bold ideas into real-world change that leaves no one behind. 

Our Values

IISD’s research is of the highest calibre, our solutions are grounded in evidence, and our work creates real-world, transformative change for people and the planet. Making meaningful progress toward our vision is a top priority and underpins all aspects of our work, from idea to implementation.

We align our actions with our values, doing what we say we will do and taking full responsibility for delivering on our commitments. Combining a rigorous, evidence-based approach to policy change with extensive consultation and knowledge sharing, we foster confidence in our work, ensuring that trust is not only earned but sustained.

Equity means working toward outcomes that are fair and just. In a people-centred approach, IISD focuses on addressing systemic inequalities and co-creating solutions that are inclusive and informed by diverse perspectives, particularly of those who are most impacted by the challenges we seek to address. We work to shift power dynamics by amplifying structurally marginalized voices and creating space for local expertise and lived experience to drive tailored solutions and outcomes.

Ambitious, systemic change can only emerge from collective effort and mutual respect. Through strategic and meaningful collaboration—with all levels of government, civil society, the private sector, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and peer organizations, many of whom are based in the Global South—we make space for a diverse range of expertise to create and implement effective solutions together.

In an uncertain and rapidly changing world, agility is essential. We embrace change by prioritizing continuous learning, innovation, and iteration while evolving our strategies to remain effective. Through creativity and experimentation, we find solutions by approaching problems from new angles—testing and refining along the way to maximize impact. Within IISD, we foster a supportive environment where our people can thrive. 

What We Do

To drive meaningful and lasting change, IISD works in a way that reflects our commitment to collaboration, evidence-based solutions, and inclusive governance. We focus on approaches that are responsive to local realities and grounded in diverse perspectives, as tackling today’s complex challenges demands flexibility, innovation, and a willingness to work across traditional boundaries.

We make an impact through four interconnected strategic activities: 

IISD produces scientific and interdisciplinary research of the highest quality, generating evidence to inform sound policy-making and action on sustainable development. We value and prioritize the perspectives and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and other underrepresented groups by creating solutions together. We ensure IISD research is shared in a way that is inclusive, accessible, and available to all those it may benefit.

IISD’s experts translate complex issues into clear insights and provide context-specific policy guidance to decision-makers, particularly those in government, with the aim of advancing practical solutions to complex sustainability challenges. Through analysis and strategic counsel, we equip them with the insights, recommendations, and sound advice needed to inform policy decisions across a range of sustainable development sectors.

IISD facilitates collaboration, peer learning, and problem solving by convening diverse actors from a wide range of sectors and geographies to exchange ideas and work together to find solutions. We build support for policy change by getting our research and expertise on today’s most critical sustainable development issues into the hands of key opinion leaders and influencers while elevating the voices of those most impacted by these challenges.

Going beyond the remit of typical think tanks, IISD actively supports the implementation of policies and strategies by providing tools, training, and demand-driven technical support. Our work is grounded in deep expertise across many fields within sustainable development. We work alongside our partners to strengthen capacity, refine approaches, and ensure commitments translate into meaningful impact.