Mission Statement

The Vale Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investment (VCC) seeks to be a leader on issues related to foreign direct investment (FDI) in the global economy, with special attention to the sustainability dimension of this investment. More specifically, the Vale Columbia Center focuses on the analysis and teaching of the implications of FDI for public policy and international investment law. Its objectives are to analyze important topical policy-oriented issues related to FDI, develop and disseminate practical approaches and solutions, and provide students with a challenging learning environment.

The Vale Columbia Center established in 2008 through a donation by Vale. It supersedes the Columbia Program on International Investment (CPII), which was launched in January 2006. Its Executive Director is Dr. Karl P. Sauvant.  The Center is a joint undertaking of the Columbia Law School, which is directed by Dean David M. Schizer, and The Earth Institute at Columbia University, whose director is Dr. Jeffrey D. Sachs. The Vale Columbia Center is linked to the Center on Global Legal Problems, which is directed by Dr. José E. Alvarez. It is a bridge between the legal focus of Columbia Law School and the sustainable development focus of The Earth Institute.

Activities include hosting conferences, symposia and a speaker series, creating and disseminating relevant materials and teaching. The Center gives special attention to sustainability issues, especially arising in connection with the international governance system for investment and, in particular, the evolution of international investment law and policy.

In the framework of The Earth Institute, the Vale Columbia Center also participates in the Millennium Cities Initiative. Focusing on cities in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal, this Initiative advises selected municipalities on the formulation and implementation of integrated development strategies that are based on the Millennium Development Goals. Its first-phase priority is to help attract FDI to these cities, thereby creating employment, stimulating domestic enterprise development and contributing to sustainable economic growth.

The Vale Columbia Center takes an interdisciplinary approach, dealing with FDI from policy, legal and economic perspectives. It seeks to involve experts from throughout the world in its work.

Inquiries regarding the Center's activities should be directed to Dr. Karl P. Sauvant at VCC@law.columbia.edu.