Posted by on Jan 30, 2017

On January 20th 2017 Michael Woods participated in the Bridging International Human Rights, Trade and Investment Law Roundtable in Ottawa. This by invitation event was organized by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and the Human Rights Research and Education Centre at the University of Ottawa.

The roundtable featured experts from government, academia, and private practice.  The participants reviewed recent developments in international economic and human rights including the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in September 2015 and recent developments affecting the international trading system, including the Brexit vote, the post-negotiation reaction to CETA, the Trump Administration’s position with respect to international trade.

The primary focus of the experts was the evolving relationship between international human rights, trade and investment law.  The group identified areas for further policy research and future collaboration.  Michael shared his experience international trade and investment negotiations, including NAFTA,  and investor-state-dispute settlement.  He also discussed indigenous rights and international trade investment law in the context of his work on First Nationals and inter-tribal trade.  He referenced his work with the International Inter-tribal Trade and Investment Organization and the important work of Risa Schwartz of the CIGI International Law Research Program, who served as one of the moderators.

About CIGI:

The Centre for International Governance Innovation is an independent, non-partisan think tank with an objective and uniquely global perspective. The group’s research, opinions and public voice make a difference in today’s world by bringing clarity and innovative thinking to global policy making.