English
Every year on April 26th, the world celebrates World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD). In 2024, the theme takes on a particular significance: “IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity.” This theme highlights the crucial role that intellectual property (IP) plays in driving progress towards the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDGs are a collection of 17 ambitious goals established in 2015 to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. These challenges range from eradicating poverty and hunger to combating climate change and ensuring access to clean water. WIPD 2024 specifically focuses on the “changemakers” – individuals and organizations around the globe who are harnessing the power of IP to contribute to achieving these goals.
IP, encompassing patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs, serves as a vital catalyst for innovation. For instance, patents protect new inventions that can advance clean energy solutions or revolutionize healthcare technologies. Copyrights safeguard the knowledge and research behind life-saving medicines. Trademarks ensure consumers can identify the source of reliable goods and services. By incentivizing and protecting innovation, IP empowers these “changemakers” to develop solutions that address the critical issues outlined in the SDGs.
WIPD 2024 isn’t just about celebrating past achievements. It’s a call to action for everyone. National and regional IP offices around the world will host events showcasing local innovations and success stories in utilizing IP for sustainable development. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to participate by attending events, sharing ideas on social media using #WorldIPDay, or even organizing their own activities related to IP and the SDGs.
By recognizing the power of IP to drive innovation, WIPD 2024 aims to spark a global movement towards achieving the SDGs and building a brighter future for generations to come.
