African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is an international inter-governmental policy research and training organization located in Nairobi, Kenya. The Centre's activities focus on the implementation of Agenda 21 and related conventions on biological diversity, climate change and desertification.

African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the use and protection of works of the human spirit. These works – intellectual property – are expanding the bounds of science and technology and enriching the world of the arts. Through its work, OAPI plays an important role in enhancing the quality and enjoyment of life, as well as creating real wealth for nations.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) aims to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region, and to promote regional peace and stability. Its members include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) is a permanent forum where governments discuss and negotiate matters relevant to genetic resources for food and agriculture. The main objectives of the CGRFA are to ensure the conservation and sustainable utilization of genetic resources for food and agriculture, as well the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use, for present and future generations. The Commission aims to reach international consensus on areas of global interest, through negotiations.

Commission on Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation and Public Health (CIPIH) established by the World Health Assembly in 2003. The purpose of this web site is to share information and knowledge regularly with all those interested in intellectual property rights, innovation and public health. We will be launching a new web site at the end of April with a new look that reflects the individual identity of the Commission.

Conference of the Parties on the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP) is the governing body of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and expedites implementation of the Convention through the decisions it makes at its periodic meetings. The COP has recently become very active in seeking recognition of the principles of the CBD in other international forums, including the WIPO and the WTO.

European Seed Association (ESA) is the voice of the European seed industry, representing the interests of those active in research, breeding, production and marketing of seeds of agricultural, horticultural and ornamental plant species.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was founded in 1945 with a mandate to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, to improve agricultural productivity, and to better the condition of rural populations. Today, FAO is one of the largest specialized agencies in the United Nations system and the lead agency for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural development. An intergovernmental organization, FAO has 183 member countries plus one member organization, the European Community. Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture

International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is an international organization where governments and the private sector can coordinate global telecom networks and services.

International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) is an intergovernmental organization with headquarters in Geneva (Switzerland). It is based on the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, as revised since its signature in Paris on December 2, 1961. The objective of the Convention is the protection of new varieties of plants by an intellectual property right.

Project on Dispute Settlement in International Trade, Investment and Intellectual Property (UNCTAD). This project aims to help building a permanent capacity in developing countries - in particular, the least developed countries (LDCs) - and countries with economies in transition for dispute settlement in international trade, investment and intellectual property.

South Centre has grown out of the work and experience of the South Commission and its follow-up office, and from recognition of the need for enhanced South-South co-operation. It is intended to meet the need for analysis of development problems and experience, as well as to provide intellectual and policy support required by developing countries for collective and individual action in the international arena.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Established in 1964 as a permanent intergovernmental body, UNCTAD is the principal organ of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with trade, investment and development issues. The main goals are to maximize the trade, investment and development opportunities of developing countries and assist them in their efforts to integrate into the world economy on an equitable basis.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Science and Technology for Development Network (STDev). The STDev is designed as a gateway to science and technology for development with continuously updated information on best practices, partnering, networking and financing opportunities for science and technology. It will also provide succinct diplomacy briefings on important science and technology issues to diplomats and policy-makers to assist them in international negotiations involving science and technology in international fora, particularly those that take place at the World Trade Organization.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN agency for the promotion of development. It undertakes global and regional advocacy and analysis to increase knowledge, share best practices, build partnerships, mobilize resources and promote enabling frameworks including international targets for reducing poverty.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The main objective of UNESCO is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations. UNESCO has a long tradition in the protection of culture and folklore. There are several international legal texts signed under the auspices of UNESCO and relating to intellectual property. These include the Universal Convention on Copyrights (1952) the Recommendation on the Safeguarding of Traditional Culture and Folklore (1989), and the Model Law for the Protection of Folklore elaborated jointly with WIPO.

United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) works to encourage sustainable development by way of sound environmental practices. Its activities cover a wide range of issues, from the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems, the promotion of environmental science and information, to an early warning and emergency response capacity to deal with environmental disasters and emergencies. UNEP has an Economics and Trade Programme (ETP), which seeks to clarify the relationship among trade, environment and development in order to design mutually supportive policies.

United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights (UNHCHR) promotes universal enjoyment of all human rights by giving practical effect to the will and resolve of the world community as expressed by the United Nations. It plays the leading role on human rights issues and emphasizes the importance of human rights at the international and national levels . The Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights is the principle UN body that administers the UN human rights treaties.

United Nations on Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a UN agency committed to helping developing countries and those in transition to accelerate their industrial development, while meeting social and environmental challenges.

World Health Organization The World Health Organisation, the United Nations specialised agency for health, was established on 7 April 1948. WHO's objective, as set out in its Constitution, is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Health is defined in WHO's Constitution as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. WHO is governed by 192 Member States through the World Health Assembly. The WHO section on globalisation, trade and health.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the use and protection of works of the human spirit. These works - intellectual property - are expanding the bounds of science and technology and enriching the world of the arts. Through its work, WIPO plays an important role in enhancing the quality and enjoyment of life, as well as creating real wealth for nations.

World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.

World Trade Organization - TRIPS and IP issues