On June 27th, WIPO Japan Office organized an international symposium under the theme “IP and the Future of Food”.
This symposium focused on the role of IP in realizing the sustainable future of the food. With growing global attention on food security, sustainability, and innovation in agriculture and food technology, the symposium provided a timely platform to discuss how IP can drive positive change. A total of 810 people from 104 countries registered to participate.
This event was financed by the Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global.
From top left: Ms. Yuka Ochiai (Moderator/MC), Mr. Yasuhiro Tsumura (Director, World Food Programme (WFP) Japan Relations Office), Mr. Pasakorn Niratbhand (CEO, Plant Origin)
From bottom left: Mrs.Simone Tsuneda (Deputy Partnership Manager, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa)), Peter Oksen (Green Technology and Research Manager, Climate Change & Food Security Unit, WIPO), Mr. Hiroshi Takami (Special Representative, Japan, World Bank Tokyo Office)
The symposium was delivered in four distinct segments.
In the first segment, “Global Perspectives on the Food Crisis,” Mr. Yasuhiro Tsumura, Director of the World Food Programme Japan Relations Office, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, delivered a powerful presentation highlighting the growing global concerns surrounding food and agriculture. He emphasized how recent years have seen these challenges intensify due to climate change, economic instability, conflicts and regional disparities—factors that have exacerbated issues such as hunger, food loss, and the need for sustainable solutions. His talk offered critical insights into the current state of food systems, the role of innovation and technology and what the future may hold.
In the second segment, “Revolutionizing Food: Innovation for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” Mr. Pasakorn Niratbhand, CEO of the Thai food-tech startup Plant Origin, and Mrs. Simone Tsuneda, Deputy Partnership Manager at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), each introduced their innovative initiatives. They shared how intellectual property has played a key role in supporting the growth and impact of their work—empowering them to scale solutions, foster partnerships, and contribute to sustainable food systems in their respective regions.
In the third segment, “Food Business Strategy: The Power of IP and Global Markets”, Peter Oksen Green Technology and Research Manager, Climate Change & Food Security Unit, WIPO delivered a presentation introducing the WIPO GREEN platform. He highlighted the challenges faced by farmers around the world and emphasized the importance of projects that facilitate matchmaking between those challenges and innovative technological solutions.
Followingly, Mr. Takami Hiroshi, Special Representative, Japan, World Bank Tokyo Office which works to support poverty reduction and social development in developing countries, introduced the World Bank’s initiatives in the agriculture and food sectors—including crop improvement, food education, and infrastructure development. He also discussed the role and significance of Geographical Indications (GIs) in branding agricultural products that reflect the unique characteristics of local regions.
The event concluded with a Special Dialogue featuring Mr. Kazushi Takemoto, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Japan Foods & Biotechnology Intellectual Property Rights Center (JAFBIC), moderated by Mr. Tomoki Sawai, Director of the WIPO Japan Office. During the dialogue, Mr. Takemoto explored the potential of a sustainable future through food technology, the value of Japanese cuisine, and the possibilities inherent in traditional food culture. He also shared his insights on the role of intellectual property in driving open innovation and shaping effective branding strategies.
From left: Mr. Kazushi Takemoto (Chairman of Director, Japan Foods ＆Biotechnology Intellectual Property Rights Center (JAFBIC)), Tomoki Sawai (Director, WIPO Japan Office)
By showcasing real-world initiatives and strategic insights, the event highlighted the critical role IP can play in advancing sustainable food systems worldwide. WIPO Japan Office remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration in this vital area for the future of society.
All presentation videos will be available at the event page.