Fisheries Subsidies: Back to the table

Session 1: Perspectives on the Importance of Additional Rules

This session allowed participants to hear a range of perspectives from civil society, the small-scale fishing community, and WTO members on why concluding additional rules on fisheries subsidies is essential for sustainable development. Speakers also offered thoughts on the possible way forward in these negotiations. 

Agenda

13:00 – 13:30: Light lunch.

13:30 – 13:40: Opening remarks.

13:40 – 14:30: Perspectives on the Importance of Additional Rules.

• Sebastian Mathew – Executive Director, International Collective in Support of Fishworkers. 
• Megan Jungwiwattanaporn – Officer, Conservation Support, The Pew Charitable Trusts 
• Daunivalu Luke – Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva 
• Matthew Wilson – Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva 
• Usha Dwarka-Canabady – Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva 

14:30 – 14:55: Open discussion

14:55 – 15:00: Concluding remarks

Moderator: Alice Tipping – Director, Trade and Sustainable Development, IISD.

Session 2: IISD Analysis of the Draft Fisheries Subsidies Text

The second session walked participants through the draft text circulated by the chair of negotiations on 12 April 2024, providing succinct explanations about the rules and the dynamics that led to certain provisions. The session drew on IISD’s own analysis of the text in its recent publication and highlighted key considerations about the draft text from a sustainable development perspective.

14:00 – 14:05: Opening remarks

14:05 – 14:35: IISD Analysis of the Draft Fisheries Subsidies Text

• Tristan Irschlinger – senior policy advisor, Fisheries Subsidies, IISD    

14:35 – 14:55: Open discussion

14:55 – 15:00: Concluding remarks

Moderator: Alice Tipping – Director, Trade and Sustainable Development, IISD

This is a closed activity for WTO delegates and capital-based officials. Exceptions only apply to WTO staff.