NGO Participation

WIPO's work on traditional knowledge, genetic resources and traditional cultural expressions/folklore is founded on extensive consultation with representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities and other NGOs.

Participation in the IGC is not only limited to the WIPO Member States. Inter-governmental organizations and international and regional non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which are permanent observers to WIPO or specifically accredited to the IGC, may also participate.

Instruments for particularly enhancing the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in WIPO's work on the subject matters in general and the work of the IGC have been developed.

These are:

Over 200 NGOs have already been accredited to the IGC [DOC]. Many of these represent indigenous and local communities.