Permanent Representative to United Nations Office in Geneva, Ambassador Abdul-Karim Hashim, Delivers Iraq’s Speech at Diplomatic Conference

On May 13, 2024, His Excellency Ambassador Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations Office in Geneva, delivered the speech of the Republic of Iraq at the opening session of “Diplomatic Conference to conclude an International Legal Instrument Relating to Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources”, held in Geneva on May 13-15.

In his Speeach Ambassador Mustafa expressed Iraq’s support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which have the right to recognize the rights and interests of their peoples and preserve their intellectual property related to their cultural heritage, indicating  that Iraq has an enormous wealth of diversity in genetic resources and an abundant treasure of traditional knowledge and genetic technologies resulting from Its distinguished geographical location, in addition to the genius of the Iraqi human being who interacted positively with his surroundings over the centuries, with a historical depth of civilizations that are 7 thousand years old.

In addition to the Ambassador emphasized the importance of the conference’s theme on the modern patent system, and continuation of modern innovations based on the diversity of genetic resources and the advancement of that diversity, especially in light of the possibility of expanding existing disclosure requirements of patents, calling for positive participation and effective contribution to complete the   discussions of the main issues regarding provisions the instrument contain in developing a balanced and effective global intellectual property system that would preserve rights and enhance innovation and creativity in order to create a better and more sustainable future.