Introduction

This chapter provides an introduction into the book. It gives a first brief overview of the UN policy background of Sustainable Finance. It further defines this book’s guiding research questions with regard to the interrelation between international trade law and Sustainable Finance: Are current or future Sustainable Finance provisions legal under, in other words consistent with, international trade law? Which role can international trade law play in the propagation and justification of Sustainable Finance policy? This chapter further establishes the concept of Sustainable Finance, in particular the varying interpretations and legislative definitions of the terms Sustainable Finance, CSR, and ESG. This chapter also sets out the methodology and structure of the subsequent analysis.