Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) have recently been subject to increasing levels of debate across the world. Of particular concern is their impact on developing countries, and the appropriateness of different types and standards of IPRs is now the focus of discussions at both the national and international level.

In order to ensure that sustainable and equitable benefits arise out of the protection of intellectual property, it is essential to understand the impact IP has in areas such as public health, access to knowledge, and other fields that directly affect the population at hand. This is particularly true given the processes of IP standard-setting that result from ongoing multilateral, regional and bilateral trade negotiations. If such processes are to support sustainable development, the informed participation of a wide variety of actors is vital.

Therefore, the Center for the Study of Developing Countries (CSDC) - Cairo University and the International Center for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD), are holding a national Dialogue on:

"Current Trends in Intellectual Property Policy and Public Health"

The dialogue aims at gathering all stakeholders involved in the field of IPRs and health in Egypt and providing a forum for an open and creative exchange of information and ideas.