IOSD is the original Sustainable Development organization, created as an international NGO in 2004 and transformed into an intergovernmental institute (EUCLID affiliated) in 2008, under United Nations Treaty Series 46009/49007. IOSD is an authoritative source of papers, articles, updates and online degree programs related to the full scope of sustainable development. It is also a membership organization (open to individuals and organizations) and offers a certification program for businesses and institutions wishing to validate their public commitment to sustainability.

In 2019, IOSD partnered again with EUCLID and the EULER initiative to develop a new graduate program in Climate Change and Sustainability.