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** What's new in sustainable development
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** WTO Historic Deal on Fisheries Subsidies Enters Into Force
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On 15 September 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies ([link removed]) will enter into force, marking a milestone in global efforts to tackle subsidy policies that undermine sustainable development.

“We’re delighted that this landmark instrument for ocean sustainability has come into effect,” said Patricia Fuller, IISD President and CEO. “Throughout the negotiations, our experts worked closely with governments to support the conclusion of the agreement and then help officials prepare for ratification and implementation. We warmly congratulate WTO Members on this historic achievement.”

The agreement prohibits subsidies to vessels and operators engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. It also bans subsidies for fishing overexploited stocks where there are no measures in place to rebuild them, as well as subsidies for unregulated fishing on the high seas.

Read our full statement ([link removed]) .
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** Inside the WTO Public Forum and Geneva Trade Week 2025
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The WTO Public Forum (September 17–18) and Geneva Trade Week (September 15–18) ([link removed]) will bring together policy-makers, business leaders, and civil society to explore how environmental sustainability, industrial policy, and digital trade are shaping the future of global commerce. Our colleagues will be holding sessions at both events on pressing trade and sustainability topics. Visit our page ([link removed]) to learn more.

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** Strengthening Adaptation Technology Transfer in Developing Countries
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Global climate and trade policy recognizes how technology transfer can address climate change, but discussions are often siloed and lead to missed opportunities. Our new report ([link removed]) identifies how to strengthen connections and enhance the role of trade in adaptation technology transfer.

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** Taking Stock of Progress on Adaptation
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Reporting and transparency are the bedrock of global sustainable development frameworks such as the Paris Agreement. Many countries can now enhance their adaptation reporting in the next Biennial Transparency Reports cycle, due in 2026. This new round will improve the implementation of national adaptation plans and become a key element to inform the second global stocktake. NAP Global Network’s latest report ([link removed]) shares key findings and recommendations.

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** Three Core Considerations for Community-Based Adaptation
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Community-based adaptation puts local communities impacted by climate change at the centre of resilience building. But how can we challenge existing power structures and achieve this at scale? Cameron Hunter explores three key priorities ([link removed]) for practitioners.

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** Why Cooperation on Critical Minerals Is Key for Africa’s Inclusive Growth and Development
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Critical minerals and metals are central to the global energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and digital transformation, but the definition of criticality is not uniform. Together with the African Development Bank, IGF experts outline diverse approaches and call for greater international cooperation ([link removed]) . ([link removed])

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** Without Land Justice and Social Equity, Carbon Markets Will Fail
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Carbon markets are expanding rapidly, but without secure land rights and social equity, they risk harming local communities and failing to meet climate goals. Our new deep dive ([link removed]) explores how carbon market policies must be reformed if we are to secure just and effective climate action.

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** Unpacking Global Oil and Gas Exploration Trends
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Last month, oil and gas licensing activity saw nearly 140,000 km² of new exploration acreage awarded globally—already pushing 2025's total awards past the whole of last year. Find out more in the latest edition of Carbon Minefields ([link removed]) .

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** How an ISDS Suit Threatened Communities and the Environment in Ecuador
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The documentary The Tribunal captures how the investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) lawsuit Copper Mesa v. Ecuador threatened communities and ecosystems in the Intag region. Our new special edition of Investment Treaty News ([link removed]) engages with the film, unpacking ([link removed]) how it brings the human and environmental costs of the ISDS model to life and how the recent ICJ opinion ([link removed]) on the climate crisis could accelerate ISDS reform.

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** Marshallese Youth Attend Arts Seminar to Raise Awareness for Climate Change Adaptation
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Republic of the Marshall Islands NGO Jo-Jikum hosted the Climate Adaptation Arts Seminar (CAAS) 2025, engaging more than 50 youth to raise awareness on climate change impacts and adaptation and connect with their heritage. The 2025 CAAS was held between July 28 and August 8 and focused on the Marshall Islands’ National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Read the full article here ([link removed]) .

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** Join the discussion on Flexible Frameworks for Debt Sustainability
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Rising debt costs, shrinking fiscal space, and urgent financing needs are putting pressure on emerging markets and developing economies. Financing development and climate action requires fiscal frameworks that support long-term investment without undermining debt sustainability. Join ([link removed]) us ([link removed]) on September 18, where experts will share practical guidance for governments on how to adapt fiscal rules to align with climate and development priorities.

Job Opportunities at IISD ([link removed])
At IISD, we believe in investing in people who are passionate and talented at what they do. Help enhance our work across all of our focus areas and make an impact on the planet and its people.
* Consultant, Framework for Assessing Tax Incentives ([link removed]) , Lesotho ([link removed])
* Project Assistant ([link removed]) , Economic Law and Policy ([link removed])
* Senior Policy Advisor, Energy, Indonesia ([link removed])
* Facilities Maintenance Technician ([link removed]) , IISD-ELA ([link removed])

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