Iceland has announced an additional donation of CHF 200,000 to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fish Fund. This contribution follows a previous donation and reflects Iceland's commitment to sustainable fisheries and multilateral cooperation.
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala commented on the donation, stating: “I warmly welcome Iceland's second contribution to the WTO Fish Fund, which reflects its strong commitment to sustainable fisheries and multilateral cooperation. Building on its previous donation, this latest contribution will be instrumental in supporting developing and LDC members as they work to implement the historic Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.”
Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland emphasized his country's dedication by saying: "Iceland is proud to support the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism as part of our longstanding commitment to sustainable fisheries and ocean health. By contributing to this fund, we aim to assist developing and least-developed countries in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, ensuring that they have the tools and capacity to join global efforts to protect marine ecosystems. Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 reminds us that collective action is essential, and Iceland remains dedicated to playing its part in fostering sustainable and equitable use of our shared ocean resources."
The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies requires acceptance by two-thirds of WTO members before it can enter into force. Currently, eighty-nine members have formally accepted it, with twenty-two more needed for activation. The agreement involves changes in legislative frameworks, transparency obligations, and fisheries management policies among member countries. Article 7 provides for a voluntary funding mechanism aimed at assisting developing nations with these implementations.
The Fish Fund is managed by the WTO with support from organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and World Bank Group. These partners offer expertise necessary for assisting members in implementing the agreement.
With this recent donation, Iceland has contributed a total of CHF 700,000 specifically to the Fish Fund since September 2023. Overall contributions from Iceland between 2002 and 2025 amount to CHF 1,025,000 across various WTO technical assistance trust funds.
Further details about the fund are available online.