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This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development analyzes the critical state of World Trade Organization (WTO) fisheries subsidies negotiations ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). It highlights the need to move beyond the 2022 Agreement (Fish 1) to establish additional disciplines (Fish 2) targeting overcapacity and overfishing before a sunset clause triggers the termination of the original agreement in September 2029.

This briefing previews the first Plenary session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), scheduled for February 2-6, 2026, in Geneva. The document outlines the Panel's purpose as a non-binding science-policy body designed to provide scientific assessments to inform policymakers, while highlighting critical unresolved governance issues regarding rules of procedure, conflict of interest policies, and the inclusion of gender and Indigenous Peoples' rights.

This research paper by Tristan Irschlinger provides a state-of-play analysis as of March 2025 regarding the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations on fisheries subsidies. It evaluates the impact of the 2022 Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (Fish 1) and the ongoing efforts to establish broader rules (Fish 2) to address the root causes of overcapacity and overfishing.

This research paper by Tristan Irschlinger provides an update as of March 2025 on the World Trade Organization's (WTO) efforts to regulate fishing subsidies. It details the existing 2022 Agreement (Phase 1) and the ongoing negotiations for additional, broader rules (Phase 2) aimed at addressing overcapacity and overfishing to promote marine sustainability.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies argues that the proliferation of competing peace initiatives in Sudan since April 2023 has allowed the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to 'forum-shop' and avoid commitment to a lasting peace, while the humanitarian crisis worsens.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the current state of loss and damage (L&D) finance within the UNFCCC framework, evaluating the outcomes of COP28 and outlining strategic priorities for the Global South ahead of COP29 and COP30. It advocates for L&D to be treated as a distinct third pillar of climate action, emphasizing the need for grant-based financing, equitable distribution, and a unified negotiating front to ensure climate justice for the most vulnerable communities.

A statement delivered by Hon. Kerrie D. Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Barbados, on 26 June 2024, calling for the immediate entry into force of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the conclusion of negotiations on overcapacity and overfishing.

The IAI Science Diplomacy Center (SDC) is a regional initiative aimed at strengthening the science-policy interface in the Americas, particularly Latin America and the Caribbean. Between 2023 and April 2024, the SDC established three priority pillars: Capacity Building, a Knowledge Hub, and Emerging/Innovation Issues. Key achievements include the launch of a training workshop in Panama, the expansion of the STeP Fellowship program to 47 fellows from 14 countries, and the development of a specialized science diplomacy curriculum with the University of Sao Paulo. The SDC is also building a digital Knowledge Hub and forging strategic partnerships with entities such as AAAS, UNESCO, and DiploCientifica to support sustainable development and global environmental change objectives.

The 2022 Report on the WHO-Civil Society Working Group to Advance Action on Climate and Health details the collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and health civil society to integrate health considerations into global climate policy. The report highlights 2022 achievements, including coordinated submissions to the UNFCCC, advocacy for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, and the establishment of a WHO Health Pavilion at COP27. It outlines future goals for 2023 and 2024, including a proposed World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution on climate change, air pollution, and health.

Indigenous Peoples steward 80% of the world's remaining biodiversity on 20% of Earth's land, yet they face ongoing marginalization in international environmental negotiations. While instruments like UNDRIP and the Nagoya Protocol have advanced the recognition of their rights to self-determination and free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), the document argues that Western scientific and political worldviews continue to dominate processes in the UNFCCC and IPBES. The brief calls for a shift from tokenistic inclusion to genuine leadership by Indigenous Peoples to ensure a sustainable future.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) issued a statement welcoming the appointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on February 15, 2021.

The 2020 report on the WHO-Civil Society Working Group to Advance Action on Climate and Health outlines the group's efforts to integrate health priorities into climate action and COVID-19 recovery. Key achievements include mobilizing health professionals for a 'healthy recovery' and coordinating with the UNFCCC Race to Zero Dialogues to prioritize health at COP26.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the process of developing Common African Positions (CAPs) within the African Union (AU) to enable the continent to speak with one voice in global diplomacy. While highlighting successful examples like the Post-2015 Development Agenda, the author identifies systemic challenges including a lack of member state ownership, over-dependence on external funding, and disconnects between AU headquarters and multilateral diplomatic hubs.

This briefing describes the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, as the foundational event for modern environmental diplomacy. It details the conference's origins, the tensions between developed and developing nations, the resulting Stockholm Declaration and Action Plan, and the subsequent establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) announced the temporary closure of its Washington, DC and Geneva offices and the suspension of travel due to COVID-19. Despite these operational changes, CIEL committed to continuing its work in corporate and government accountability, human rights protection, and the inclusion of marginalized voices in virtual spaces.

This briefing note by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) explains how civil society can use the UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies (HRTBs) reporting procedure to hold states accountable for climate change policies. It details the process of submitting parallel reports to secure country-specific recommendations, which can then be leveraged for national advocacy and litigation.

This guide by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) explains how civil society can use the United Nations human rights treaty body (HRTB) reporting process to advocate for climate-related policy recommendations and hold states accountable for their human rights obligations in the context of climate change.

Friends of the Earth International calls for a systemic shift away from corporate-led exploitation toward social and environmental justice. The organization specifically demands a legally binding UN Treaty to hold transnational corporations accountable for human rights and environmental abuses across their entire value chains, including the creation of an International Court to enforce these obligations.

Friends of the Earth International calls for a systemic shift away from corporate-led exploitation toward environmental and social justice. The organization advocates for a legally binding UN treaty to hold multinational corporations accountable for human rights and environmental violations across their entire value chains, proposing the creation of an international tribunal and the prioritization of human rights over investment agreements.

Friends of the Earth International expresses deep disappointment with the July 16 revised version of the UN's legally binding treaty on transnational corporations and human rights, arguing that the text is too weak and fails to establish international jurisdiction to hold corporations accountable.