There have been concerns expressed by developing country governments and experts that the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has been promoting higher standards of intellectual property (IP) protection and harmonisation without taking into account specific needs of developing countries. Recently, Argentina and Brazil informally circulated a groundbreaking proposal to establish a "development agenda" at WIPO. So far this proposal has been supported by Cuba, Bolivia and Ecuador. The proposal raises questions as regard the general nature of WIPO – including its mandate and structure – arguing, among other things, that it is time for the institution to integrate the UN-wide development agenda into its mandate, including the commitments set out in the Millennium Development Goals.

The objective of this roundtable is to bring together developed and developing country delegates, academics, IGOs and NGOs to discuss the substantive challenges posed by the proposal and other recent initiatives to rethink WIPO’s mandate with respect to development. The Roundtable will be informal and off the record, and delegates will not be expected to represent the position of their country/organisation. Formal presentations will be kept to a minimum, allowing for enough time for an open and frank debate.