The WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement: Launch of IISD’s self-assessment tool for implementation

As World Trade Organization (WTO) members prepare for the entry into force of the new Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies reached in June 2022 at their Twelfth Ministerial Conference, this hybrid webinar aims to introduce IISD’s new self-assessment tool that members can use as they prepare to implement the agreement. Public officials can use the tool to conduct a self-assessment exercise on what changes they should make at home and identify where assistance may be needed.  

The launch event discussed the various elements of the toolkit that will help WTO members to: 

1. Collect key information and data needed for implementing the agreement.

2. Determine if their government’s domestic policies and practices are currently aligned with the treaty and what may need changing.

3. Assess whether mechanisms are in place at home to enable ongoing alignment with the new WTO disciplines and, when such mechanisms are lacking, articulate where domestic authorities may need technical assistance and/or capacity-building support. 

The launch event also featured reflections from representatives from the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), donor countries, and developing country members. They provided their insights on both the tool itself and other kinds of support that would help to ensure the smooth implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The event concluded with an opportunity for questions and answers.   

Please note that the event is for WTO members only. 

Moderator

• Alice Tipping, Lead, Sustainable Trade and Fisheries Subsidies, IISD

Speakers

• Tristan Irschlinger, Policy Advisor, Fisheries Subsidies, IISD 
• Ieva Baršauskaitė, Senior Policy Advisor, Sustainable Trade, IISD  
• Julien Million, Senior Fisheries Specialist, World Bank Group 
• Dominique Burgeon, Director, FAO Liaison Office in Geneva 
• Parmanand Daby, Acting Scientific Officer, Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping of the Republic of Mauritius 
• Frank Rittner, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the International Organizations in Geneva