WIPO-PRV Advanced Training Program on “Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources - in Support of Innovation” Welcomes 2020 Cohort from Nine Asian and African Countries
October 21, 2020
The advanced international training program, “Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources - in Support of Innovation”, a cooperation between the Swedish Intellectual Property Office (PRV) and WIPO, began with the virtual opening ceremony on October 15, 2020.
The opening ceremony began with a keynote speech from Mr. Fadjry Djufry, Director General, the Indonesian Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Research and Development (IAARD).
Mr. Djufry noted the positive impact and contribution to IAARD’s intellectual property (IP) management thanks to the training program. Since 2017, there have been four generations of IAARD participants in the international training program, which is not only beneficial for the individual but also to the institution, he said.
The collaboration and commitment between IAARD, WIPO and PRV need to be continued and strengthened. It is my sincere hope that this international training program results in bright ideas and triggers international collaboration which could resolve global challenges of IP and genetic resources (GR) related innovation.
Mr. Fadjry Djufry
Mr. Wend Wendland, Director of the Traditional Knowledge Division at WIPO welcomed the participants on behalf of WIPO Director-General Mr. Daren Tang. This year, the international training program cohort consists of 27 participants from nine Asian and African countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia).
I trust that this will be an excellent opportunity for you to share knowledge and actual experiences, and raise awareness as to how to use IP as a tool to support innovation in your countries for the benefit of small-holder and commercial farmers, research institutions and local industry. WIPO’s participation in this program is a demonstration of our firm resolve to building capacity among stakeholders to effectively use the IP system for innovation in the life sciences.
Mr. Wend Wendland
The main objective of the program is to build capacity on the use of IP systems in relation to genetic resources to the best advantage of genetic resource stakeholders and in support of innovation as a contributing factor to increased economic growth and reduction of poverty. Participants will each implement a project at the local or national level.
The main target groups of the international training program are policymakers and their advisers as well as government sector decision-makers, universities, research organizations, the private sector or farming organizations involved in issues of IP in relation to genetic resources. As of 2021, program content will expand to cover IP in relation to traditional knowledge.
The program is sponsored by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and also involves Swedish partners, namely, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Swedish International Agricultural Network Initiative (SIANI) and We Effect.
For more information, sign up for WIPO Traditional Knowledge updates.