The Role of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Agenda

Abstract

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has a huge and significant role in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Agenda, which sets out the SDGs. Significant connections between intellectual property and the SDGs necessitate the full contribution of WIPO to the implementation of the SDGs. This chapter argues that contrary to WIPO’s rigid stance that only SDG 9 (innovation) is closely connected to its mandate and mission, WIPO’s mandate transcends economic development and includes other dimensions of sustainable development represented by other SDGs. WIPO must therefore fully contribute to the realisation of the other SDGs implicated in its work program. The chapter concludes that for WIPO to fully play its role in the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda, it must adopt a broader approach to development, one that is consistent with the UN’s comprehensive view of sustainable development, and foster a truly inclusive and representative governance and decision-making structure.

Keywords: Intellectual Property, SDGs, Sustainable Development, WIPO, WIPO Development Agenda