How will the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the intellectual property sphere in a global perspective evolve? How are the recommendations of the Development Agenda being implemented in current projects, and what are the priorities for the future?
These and other issues are being discussed during the 33rd session of the WIPO Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP), which is taking place from December 9 to 13, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Andrii Zozuliuk, Head of the International Cooperation Department at the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations (UANIPIO/IP Office), personally participates in the work of the Committee at WIPO Headquarters.
In his statement, the representative of the Ukrainian delegation emphasized the deep link between intellectual property, sustainable development and economic growth. He noted the recent initiatives of the Committee and the projects planned for 2025 that have a high potential to strengthen the global intellectual property ecosystem, in particular the project submitted by the United Kingdom “Enhancing the Capacities of National Intellectual Property Offices in Times of Crisis” (document CDIP/32/6).
“However, Ukraine must reiterate that the actions of one member state, in clear violation of international humanitarian law, deliberately undermine these collective efforts. This year, World IP Day focused on the Sustainable Development Goals. As we convene at the end of 2024 to assess the progress made through various development initiatives and recognise the significant implementation of the 45 Development Agenda Recommendations, Ukraine fears that without decisive action to address Russian aggression, future discussions may shift to focus solely on IP in the face of crisis and recovery”, – Andrii Zozuliuk voiced concern.
The devastation caused by Russia’s aggression is deepening. According to the World Bank, overall price tag for Ukraine’s recovery is now estimated at 486 billion USD.
“Ukraine is among the most heavily mined countries in the world. Approximately 139,000 square kilometers—or about 25% of Ukraine’s territory—remain potentially contaminated by Russian mines and unexploded ordnance. This puts over six million Ukrainians at daily risk, with more than 300 fatalities, including 16 children, and over 760 injuries reported, including 86 children”, – emphasized the representative of UANIPIO.
The environmental toll is equally alarming. As the representative of the Ukrainian delegation noted over 20% of Ukraine’s nature conservation areas have been impacted by the war. Eighty animal species are nearing extinction, and Russian forces have severely damaged the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve, one of the world’s oldest, located in the temporarily occupied territory of Kherson region.
“We reiterate that the Russian Federation must bear the legal consequences of all of its internationally wrongful acts, including making reparation for the injury related to the losses of the Ukrainian IP system. Russia must also be denied any privileges or honors within WIPO”, – Andrii Zozuliuk emphasized.
The draft agenda of the Committee envisages consideration and discussion of a number of important issues, in particular:
Photo: WIPO
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