Fisheries Subsidies: Back to the table
This series of two events focused on current WTO negotiations to conclude additional rules on fisheries subsidies. It provided a range of perspectives on the importance of strengthening the 2022 Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies with broader disciplines and examine the draft text that is on the table in these negotiations.
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.
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