WIPO Director General Welcomes Australia’s Contribution to Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

Geneva, July 17, 2023
PR/2023/905

Director General Daren Tang welcomed a donation of AUD50,000 by the Australian Government to WIPO’s Voluntary Fund for Accredited Indigenous and Local Communities.

The donation will go toward increasing the engagement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in international negotiations and support preparations for an upcoming Diplomatic Conference that aims to finalize an international legal instrument relating to Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources.

The donation was announced at a July 18, 2023, meeting between Mr. Tang and Mr. Justin Mohamed, Australia's Ambassador for First Nations People.

Participation by Indigenous People in these negotiations is key. That’s why I am pleased with the Australian Government's leadership in this area and grateful for the latest contribution to the WIPO Voluntary Fund. I encourage other WIPO Member States to follow suit and contribute to this vital resource.

WIPO Director General Daren Tang

Last year, the WIPO General Assembly decided to convene a Diplomatic Conference to conclude an International Legal Instrument Relating to Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources no later than 2024.

The Diplomatic Conference will be preceded by a Special Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) from September 4 to 8, 2023, and by the Preparatory Committee of the Diplomatic Conference from September 11 to 13, 2023.

Highlighting Australia’s commitment to supporting a successful outcome of the negotiations within the IGC, Mr. Mohamed said: “The Australian Government is pleased to make this contribution to assist the meaningful and inclusive participation of Indigenous Peoples in WIPO IGC negotiations.”

Mr. Mohamed also welcomed the recent renewal of the IGC’s mandate at the July 6-14, 2023, WIPO Assemblies.

On the WIPO Voluntary Fund

WIPO Member States established the Voluntary Fund for Accredited Indigenous and Local Communities in 2005, with the aim to help bring the perspective of these communities to IGC.  Since its inception, the Voluntary Fund has supported 161 applications of representatives of Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, allowing them to attend IGC Sessions in person and contribute to the discussions.