Iran Joins Global Initiative: Signs Landmark Genetic Resources Treaty
Iran has taken a significant step in the realm of genetic resources by officially signing the Global Treaty on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge. This landmark agreement positions Iran among the nations committed to protecting biological resources and traditional knowledge.
The Genetics Resources Treaty is the result of two decades of rigorous negotiations under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It is recognized as a pivotal advancement in intellectual property rights and the safeguarding of biological diversity.
On Friday, Ali Bahreini, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office in Geneva, signed the treaty on behalf of Iran at the WIPO headquarters. With this signing, Iran becomes the forty-second country to join this international accord.
The Treaty on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge is notable for being the first global instrument that explicitly addresses the connection between the intellectual property system and genetic resources. Key details include:
- The treaty was adopted on May 24, 2024, following extensive negotiations during a diplomatic conference in Geneva.
- It will come into effect after at least fifteen countries have ratified or acceded to it.
- The Secretary-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization will serve as the depositary of the treaty.
This treaty represents a crucial step toward enhancing the global framework for the protection of genetic resources and traditional knowledge, reinforcing the commitment of nations to preserve biodiversity for future generations.
