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

24 Pages Posted: 8 Feb 2023

See all articles by Faith O. Majekolagbe

Faith O. Majekolagbe

University of Alberta - Faculty of Law; Harvard University - Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society

Date Written: February 6, 2023

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

Suggested Citation

Majekolagbe, Faith, The Role of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Agenda (February 6, 2023). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4349456 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4349456

Faith Majekolagbe (Contact Author)

University of Alberta - Faculty of Law ( email )

Law Centre (111 - 89 Ave)
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H5
Canada

HOME PAGE: http://www.ualberta.ca

Harvard University - Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society ( email )

Harvard Law School
23 Everett, 2nd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

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