The draft text on issues related to norm-setting, flexibilities, public policy and the public domain (Cluster B) is out.
Paragraph 3 reads:
3. To discuss possible new initatives and strengthen existing mechanisms within WIPO to facilitate [access to knowledge] and technology for developing countries and LDCs and to foster creativity and innovation within WIPO’s mandate.
Although the idea of discussions on a Treaty on Access to Knowledge appears to have strong support in the African Group, Asian Group and the Group of Friends of Development, Group B is mounting a full court press against even the mere mention of “access to knowledge” in the recommendations of this PCDA as evidenced by the bracketed text.
Paragraph 10 on complementary mechanisms of stimulating innovation reads:
10. [To exchange experiences on open collaborative projects for the development of public goods such as the Human Genome Project and Open Source Softwared (Manalo 38)]
It is quite unfortunate that the intransigence of rich Member States and their allies is hindering true progress at WIPO whether it be on the over-arching principle of a Treaty on Access to Knowledge or examining open collaborative projects. The stakes are high and this golden opportunity should not be lost. WIPO Member States should be held accountable for the positions they advocate behind closed doors shielded from the public gaze. One wonders where the antipathy towards access to knowledge comes from?