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Member States Agree to Further Examine Proposal on Development

Geneva, October 4, 2004
Press Releases PR/2004/396

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assembly agreed on Monday, October 4, 2004, to further examine a proposal by a group of developing countries to integrate in a more systematic manner the development dimension in all of WIPO's work. Member states are expected to formally adopt this decision in a plenary meeting of the General Assembly on Tuesday, October 5, 2004.

This decision came after a debate at the General Assembly of WIPO, which is meeting in Geneva from September 27 to October 5, 2004, on a proposal (https://www.wipo.int/documents/en/document/govbody/wo_gb_ga/doc/wo_ga_31_12.doc) originally presented by Brazil and Argentina. The proposal calls for WIPO to "fully incorporate" and "to take immediate action in providing for the incorporation of a "Development Agenda" in the Organization's work program." The proposal lists specific action to incorporate the development dimension in WIPO's various activities.

Many member states commented on the Brazil/Argentina proposal during the debate on this subject. All developing countries welcomed the proposal. They also pointed out, without exception, that WIPO, especially under the present Director General, had always been sensitive to the concerns of developing countries, and that the Organization's long-standing program of technical assistance to developing countries, particularly to least developed countries, is very much appreciated. They also noted that the program had recently expanded into new areas of support, reflecting the latest priorities of the beneficiary countries, such as the establishment of national intellectual property strategic policies.

A number of developed countries said that development was a shared concern for the international community, and reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that sustainable development for all nations became a reality. They said, however, that fundamental development issues were already being discussed in WIPO's different fora and that the technical assistance program was working very well and should continue. In expressing readiness to discuss ways in which WIPO's programs could become more responsive to the concerns of developing countries, they discouraged the creation of new bodies to discuss matters raised in the proposal.

Taking into account activities already carried out by WIPO in the area of development, the General Assembly decided "to convene inter-sessional intergovernmental meetings to examine the proposals contained" in the Brazil/Argentina proposal, "as well as additional proposals of member states." The meetings would also be open to WIPO accredited inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). A report on these meetings will be presented to next year's General Assembly, which would reconsider the matter.

The decision also calls on WIPO to organize, with other relevant multilateral organizations, an international seminar on intellectual property and development, open to all stakeholders, including NGOs, civil society and academia.

For further information, please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at WIPO:

  • Tel: (+41 22) - 338 81 61 or 338 95 47
  • Fax: (+41 22) - 338 88 10
  • Email: publicinf@wipo.int.
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