The Interfaith Working Group on Trade and Investment is a Washington-based working group with representatives from a range of faith-based organizations comitted to asserting a stronger presence of communities of faith in public policy discusions on international trade and investment.

We believe that international trade and investment policies and practices present a serious moral challenge because of their profound effect upon the lives of people around the world and upon creation. Therefore, we advocate the following Principles on International Trade and Investment.

• International trade and investment systems should respect and support the dignity of the human person, the integrity of creation, and our common humanity.

• International trade and investment activities should advance the common good and be evaluated in the light of their impact on those who are most vulnerable.

• International trade and investment policies and decisions should be transparent and should involve the meaningful participation of the most vulnerable stakeholders.

• International trade and investment systems should respect the legitimate role of government, in collaboration with civil society, to set policies regarding the development and welfare of its people.

• International trade and investment systems should safeguard the global commons and respect the right of local communities to protect and sustainably develop their natural resources.