WTO Public Forum | 20 Years of IISD’s Global Subsidies Initiative

IISD’s Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) was launched in 2005 as a pioneering program focused on identifying, evaluating, and reforming subsidies. The GSI aims to

• increase transparency around subsidies,
• support governments in designing and implementing subsidy reforms, and
• build coalitions and political momentum for global subsidy reform.

To celebrate the GSI’s 20-year anniversary, this high-level event at the WTO Public Forum will explore the evolution of subsidies and the future directions of subsidy reform. Senior government leaders and experts will share their insights on lessons learned, explore current priorities, and highlight country experiences. Event discussions will explore how to overcome subsidy reform barriers and identify ways forward.

Please note that this is an in-person event, and you must be registered with the WTO 2025 Public Forum to attend.

Speakers

Moderator

Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder, Vice-President, Global Strategies and Managing Director, Europe, IISD

Panellists

H.E. Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota, Ambassador of Brazil to the WTO

Myrto Zambarta, Director, Multilateral Affairs, Strategy, Analysis & Evaluation, Directorate General for Trade, European Commission

Julia Nielson, Deputy Director, Trade and Agriculture Directorate, OECD

Mark Halle, Senior Advisor, NatureFinance