World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a body of the United Nations that works to protect the innovations and creations of countries and international organizations. The agency works to discuss international intellectual property (IP) policies, resolve IP conflicts, and serves as a reference for future IP issues. This year, WIPO will focus on the impact of patent rights on global health and the protection of traditional knowledge.

Topic A: Balancing Patent Rights and Global Access to Medicine
Since their enactment, patents have served as safeguards of intellectual property and incentives for innovation. In medicine, they grant pharmaceutical companies the exclusive right to manufacture, sell, and use their inventions, encouraging continued investment in research and development. However, while patents open doors for advancement, they are also at the forefront of exclusivity, often causing priorities to shift from meeting public health needs to maximizing profitability margins. This imbalance results in high drug prices that ultimately render countries without strong economic infrastructures unable to respond as readily to health crises. Yet, the regulation of pharmaceuticals remains a developing landscape as newer global health challenges continue to expose gaps in equitable access to medicine. This topic gives delegates the opportunity to explore how patent rights affect diverse communities and to consider how regulation can promote healthcare access for all.

Topic B: Protection of Traditional Knowledge
Albeit very underrated and shun away, traditional knowledge is the force that moves cultures. Traditional knowledge is best defined as those ideas passed down through generations in certain cultures. For example: special tea concoctions in Asian countries, or herb mixes in the Americas. However, given its broad nature, traditional nature is oftentimes unprotected and used in forms of cultural appropriation. If chosen as committee topic, delegates will be in charge of finding ways in which to protect the best way to protect traditional knowledge–– whilst still allowing for their free use within cultures. This topic will give delegates the opportunity to learn more about different forms of traditional knowledge that exist worldwide, as well as learn an appreciation for them. Ultimately, the goal is for delegates to better understand traditional knowledge and their position in the modern world.

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