ABSTRACT
Sustainable development inherently links and substantively overlaps with public interest. The principle of integration and interrelationship, in particular in relation to human rights and social, economic and environmental objectives, is a key constituent principle of sustainable development. The term 'public interest' and its variations, such as 'global public interest', 'common concerns', 'general interest' and 'public purpose', are frequently used in general international law, including international investment law. Public interest provisions in international investment agreements (IIAs) are often in the form of soft law rules, which is not necessarily binding on the contracting states and foreign investors. Provisions relating to the protection of the environment, public health and safety, are a typical type of public interest provision in modern IIAs. the international community now faces unprecedented environmental challenges. In ISA practice, environmentally sensitive investment disputes frequently appear. International investment law and human rights law have different regulatory focuses and approaches. Human rights issues are usually addressed through specialized treaties.
