The 2022 WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which entered into force in September 2025, marked a historic step in addressing global overfishing and embedding sustainability at the heart of trade rules. Yet, significant work remains to fully realize SDG 14.6, as the agreement currently covers only the most critical situations. Broader disciplines are needed to address the majority of harmful subsidies that perpetuate overfishing and overcapacity.

Hosted by BMZ and the Stop Funding Overfishing Coalition, this session will explore how effective implementation of the agreement can support sustainable fisheries management and deliver socio-economic benefits to small-scale fishers and coastal communities. Experts will discuss concrete policy approaches, lessons from early implementation, and the next steps for advancing negotiations on broader subsidy disciplines.

Participants will gain actionable insights to ensure that fisheries trade rules promote environmental sustainability, strengthen livelihoods, and advance inclusive, equitable outcomes for global fishing communities.