A framework convention, under international law, is a “type of legally binding treaty which establishes broader commitments for its parties and leaves the setting of specific targets either to subsequent more detailed agreements (usually called protocols) or to national legislation”.

The framework convention model offers more flexibility than other international treaty models while also being legally binding. Framework conventions usually have two parts: the main treaty text and the protocols or annexes. The main treaty part allows member states to define the scope of the problem in general terms and to establish the basic principles, institutions, agreements, and decision-making mechanisms. The protocols or annexes allow further negotiation and the definition of more precise standards, regulations, or agreements. A well-known example is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which includes follow-up protocols like the Paris Agreement.