JUNE 03, 2024

By M G Kodandaram, IRS. Assistant Director (Retd) ADVOCATE and CONSULTANT

World Intellectual Property Day

WORLD Intellectual Property Day, observed annually on April 26 by World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to "to raise awareness of how IPRs impact the daily life and to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of economies and societies across the globe". It aims to educate the public about the role of IP in promoting economic growth, creativity, and innovation, while also influencing policymakers to create and enforce IP laws that balance the interests of creators and the public. IP protection can stimulate economic growth by encouraging investment in research and development.

The theme for WIP Day 2024, "IP and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity" highlights the potential of IP to advance global objectives, especially through the dissemination of green technologies and sustainable practices via IP mechanisms. By tackling global challenges like eradication of poverty and climate change, WIPO aims to illustrate how IP rights can support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. This article explores the progress of the UN's SDGs and discusses how IPRs can contribute to achieving these goals.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, represents a universal action 'to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all' by 2030. Countries around the world are committed to the seventeen SDGs, which serve as a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges and improving the quality of life for all. The SDGs in brief are: '(1) End poverty in all its forms everywhere; (2)End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture; (3) Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages; (4) Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all; (5)Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls; (6)Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all; (7) Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all; (8) Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; (9) Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation; (10) Reduce inequality within and among countries; (11) Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; (12) Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns; (13)Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; (14) Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development; (15) Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss; (16)Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels; (17) Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development'. (visit https://sdgs.un.org/goals for the details).

The SDGs aim to tackle poverty and inequality at their core, promoting sustainable economic growth and environmental protection. Each goal includes specific targets and measurable indicators, offering a detailed framework for countries to track progress. This framework is geared towards achieving a more sustainable, fair, and prosperous world by 2030. However, progress is currently slow, with only 15% of the goals projected to be achieved by the deadline. The shortfall highlights the need for a renewed focus on innovation and creativity, areas where IP can play a transformative role.

Achievements of the SDGs

Substantial progress has been made in reducing extreme poverty (SDG 1) globally. Between 2015 and 2019, the global poverty rate decreased from 10% to approximately 8.2%. Many countries have expanded social protection systems, providing essential safety nets for vulnerable populations. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed some of these gains, pushing millions back into poverty. There have been also substantial improvements in global health (SDG 3), with notable reductions in maternal and child mortality rates. Increased access to healthcare services and advancements in medical technology have been key contributors to these outcomes. The fight against infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, has also seen progress, although the pandemic has placed significant strain on health systems worldwide.

Access to quality education (SDG 4) has seen good progress, with enrolment in primary education rising significantly and greater gender parity achieved in educational access. Many countries have made substantial investments in education infrastructure and teacher training. However, challenges remain in ensuring the quality of education and addressing disparities in access, particularly for marginalized groups. Efforts to promote gender equality (SDG 5) have led to improvements in women's participation in political, economic, and social spheres. Legal reforms in many countries have enhanced women's rights and protections. Despite these advancements, gender-based violence and discriminatory practices continue to pose significant challenges.

There has been a notable increase in the adoption of renewable energy sources (SDG 7). Countries are investing heavily in solar, wind, and hydropower projects, leading to a doubling of renewable energy capacity in many regions. This shift has significantly contributed to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Some of these achievements highlight the progress made towards the SDGs, showcasing the positive impact of coordinated global efforts. However, challenges remain, and therefore continued innovation and commitment are essential to accelerate and achieve further advancement of these goals.

Progress and Challenges

While noteworthy strides have been made in some areas, the overall progress towards achieving the Goals has been uneven and slow. Key challenges include:

1. Adequate Financing: This is crucial for the implementation of the SDGs. Many countries, particularly in the developing world, struggle with limited resources and financing gaps, hindering progress.

2. Climate Change: A critical challenge that affects almost every facet of sustainable development is the array of issues associated with climate change. Despite efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures continue to rise, leading to severe weather events, loss of biodiversity, and disruptions to livelihoods. (Read TIOL The Heat is on: Preserving Earth's Climate in the Face of Global Warming MAY 06, 2024, by the author)

3. Inequalities: Persistent inequalities existing within and between countries affect access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Addressing these disparities is essential to ensure that no one is left behind.

4. Armed Conflicts and Political Instability: This disrupts economic activities, damages infrastructure, and forces populations to flee their homes, causing economic downturns and livelihood losses. These conflicts often trigger humanitarian crises, with civilians suffering the most from violence and displacement. Additionally, they contribute to environmental degradation through deforestation, pollution, and resource exploitation, which can have lasting impacts on sustainable development, affecting ecosystems, water sources, and agricultural productivity. This situation leads to food shortages, lack of clean water and sanitation, and inadequate healthcare services. The conflicts in regions like Syria, Yemen, Israel, Palestine, Russia, Ukraine, and the Congo have resulted in significant economic hardships, pushing many people into poverty. Establishing peaceful and inclusive societies is essential for sustainable development as it promotes stability, enhances social cohesion, and creates an environment conducive to economic growth and poverty reduction.

5. Reliable Data: This is essential for tracking progress and making informed decisions, many countries face challenges in data collection, management, and analysis, which hampers the effective implementation of the SDGs. Despite these challenges, continued innovation and commitment are essential to further advance the SDGs and ensure a sustainable future for all.

Achieving SDGs Through IPRs

Despite significant progress in some areas, the global community faces numerous challenges in achieving these ambitious goals. IPRs offer a powerful tool to accelerate progress towards the SDGs by nurturing innovation, encouraging investment, and promoting the dissemination of new technologies required for achieving the goals set out.

IPRs, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, protect the creations of the mind and provide inventors and creators with exclusive rights to their innovations. This protection incentivizes innovation by ensuring that creators can reap the financial benefits of their work. By promoting creativity and technological advancement, IPRs can drive progress across multiple SDGs. IPRs are crucial in promoting innovation and supporting infrastructure development (SDG 9). Patents encourage the development of new technologies by granting inventors exclusive rights for a specified period. This exclusivity attracts investment in research and development, leading to technological advancements that can enhance industrial productivity, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

The transition to affordable, Clean and sustainable energy (SDG 7) is vital for achieving the goal. Patents can play a significant role in this transition by protecting innovations in renewable energy technologies. By securing IPRs, inventors and companies are more likely to invest in the development of solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources, thus accelerating the global shift towards clean energy.

IPRs are essential in the pharmaceutical industry (Good Health and Well-being - SDG 3), where patents protect new drugs and medical technologies. This protection incentivizes the development of new treatments and medical devices, improving global health outcomes. However, balancing IP protection with access to essential medicines is crucial to ensure that advancements benefit all, including the most vulnerable populations.

Addressing climate change (SDG 13) requires innovative solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating environmental impacts. Patents and other IPRs can encourage the development and dissemination of green technologies. By protecting environmental innovations, IPRs can attract investment and facilitate the commercialization of technologies that contribute to climate action.

To harness the potential of IPRs in advancing the SDGs, a multifaceted approach is required. Some of the strategies that may help to boost the impact of IPRs on sustainable development are listed below.

1. Strengthening IP Systems: Developing robust IP systems in countries worldwide is essential to protect and incentivize innovation. Governments should focus on building strong legal frameworks, improving IP enforcement mechanisms, and providing support for IP management. Capacity-building initiatives, such as training programs for patent examiners and IP professionals, can enhance the effectiveness of IP systems. India's IPR policy has brought about sufficient changes in the IP protection environment in the country.

2. Promoting Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of technology from developed to developing countries is crucial for addressing global challenges. Governments and international organizations should create policies and programs that encourage technology transfer, including licensing agreements, public-private partnerships, and collaborative research initiatives. Ensuring that developing countries have access to affordable technologies can drive progress towards the SDGs.

3. Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between the public and private sectors can accelerate innovation and the commercialization of new technologies. Public-private partnerships can leverage the strengths of both sectors, combining public funding and support with private sector expertise and resources. These partnerships can focus on areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, and environmental protection, driving progress towards multiple SDGs.

4. Balancing IP Protection and Access: While IPRs are essential for incentivizing innovation, it is equally important to ensure that innovations are accessible to all. Governments and international organizations should explore mechanisms such as compulsory licensing, patent pools, and open-access initiatives to balance IP protection with public access. Ensuring that essential technologies and medicines are affordable and widely available is crucial for achieving the SDGs.

5. Raising Awareness and Building Capacity: Increasing awareness about the role of IPRs in sustainable development is vital for stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, and the public. Educational programs, workshops, and advocacy campaigns can highlight the importance of IPRs and promote best practices for IP management. Building capacity in IP management, particularly in developing countries, can empower innovators to protect and commercialize their inventions effectively.

The way forward

Moving forward, IPRs carry immense potential in propelling progress towards the SDGs. By encouraging innovation, attracting investment, and facilitating the spread of new technologies, IPRs can play a pivotal role in driving sustainable economic growth, enhancing health outcomes, preserving the environment, and promoting social well-being. Through the strategic deployment of IPRs, the global community can unlock their transformative power, paving the way for a more sustainable, fair, and prosperous future for everyone.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals embody a bold and ambitious vision for a brighter tomorrow. Achieving these goals by 2030 requires collaborative and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including governments, international bodies, the private sector, civil society, and individuals. By uniting our efforts and taking decisive actions, we can forge a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world for generations to come. The 2030 Agenda serves not merely as a set of targets but as a roadmap towards a better future, underscoring the crucial importance of steadfast commitment to this collective vision. Let us all pledge to dedicate ourselves to focused and determined actions aimed at achieving the milestones set forth in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework.

[The views expressed are strictly personal.]