Closing of the Regional Arab Dialogue on IPR, Innovation and Sustainable Development
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Alexandria, 30 June 2005—The Regional Arab Dialogue on Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation and Sustainable Development conference closed on 28 June 2005 after several days of discussions. The conference organized by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA), 26-28 June, in collaboration with the International Center for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), revolved around four main themes. The themes were: General trends and the emerging international IP architecture; Health–2005 and beyond; Access to knowledge and educational material; and Protection of expressions of folklore, cultural heritage and traditional knowledge in the Arab region.
Among the recommendations of the conference was the need for devising strategies at the national level to enhance public awareness on the various aspects of intellectual property (IP). Such strategies must take into consideration the cultural, social and economic characteristics of the respective country.
Better national and regional coordination among the concerned governmental bodies, and the involvement of various players and sectors of the society, was also advised. This is in addition to a more active participation and coordination among the Arab countries in IP-related multi-lateral fora.
Discussions also promoted a broader perspective on IP that fully incorporates the development dimension, as well as the need to study the socio-economic impacts of trade agreements. Enhancing the participation of Arab NGOs and civil society in IP discussions was also recommended. Furthermore, it was noted that technical assistance strategies of the Arab countries should be reconsidered and improved and IP material be made available in Arabic.