In this Focus 45 webinar Edward Kwakwa of WIPO will discuss Global Challenges and Partnerships with Louis-Pierre Gravelle.

Mr. Kwakwa will give us some history and updates on the ongoing work of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC).  The IGC was established in 2000, with a goal of finalizing an agreement on an international legal instrument relating to intellectual property protection for genetic resources (GR), traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs).  By involving Indigenous peoples and local communities, the IGC “respond[s] to long-standing calls from developing countries for greater equity and balance in the IP system.”