On Friday, 30 May 2025, Knowledge Ecology International (KEI) delivered the following statement at the opening of WIPO’s 51st session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Folklore which meets from 30 May 2025 to 5 June 2025. Over the course of the Committee’s deliberations, Member States will chart the course for the future mandate of this Committee.
KEI’s general statement for the first day of the IGC 51
It is the view of KEI that separate instruments for traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions are more manageable, as the issues raised are significantly different, as are the nature of protections and rights that will be considered.
Furthermore, it may be easier to address some type of benefit-sharing framework for genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge disclosed in patent applications, than for an instrument on the protection of traditional cultural expressions, or the broader issues regarding the protection of TK.
A narrow instrument on benefit-sharing that complements the new 2024 WIPO treaty, would maintain the progress achieved last year, without prejudice to future negotiation on the broader agenda.