Thank you, Mr. Chairman

India has the honour to deliver this opening statement on behalf of Asia and the Pacific Group.

At the outset, my group would like to thank you & the two Vice-Chairs for your continuous engagement with the member states during the inter-sessional period between February and now. The constant and open communication channel has indeed helped the members of my group to prepare themselves better for this 30th session of IGC. Asia & the Pacific Group supports the working methodology and the work program proposed by you.

We would also like to put on record our appreciation for the Secretariat for organising the Seminar on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, which has provided conceptual clarity on various unresolved issues facing this Committee.

Mr. Chairman

This week, we are all looking forward to working intensively and in a coordinated manner under your able leadership to find a just and equitable solution to address the concerns of all members. Every minute is precious in this IGC Session. You have given us three minutes, so let make 3 three quick points and with your indulgence maybe three and a half.

One, most of the Member States from our Group are firmly of the view that legally binding instrument / instruments for protecting GRs, TK and TCEs can alone result in a balance between the interests of the users and the providers of the resources and the knowledge. For these Member States of our region, the conclusion of a legally binding treaty or treaties would provide a transparent and predictable regime necessary for effective protection against misappropriation of GRs, TK and TCE, thus ensuring their sustainable and legitimate use in the future.

Two, the misappropriation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge can be adequately addressed through the establishment of a mechanism that guarantees appropriate benefit-sharing. Utilization or exploitation of these resources should be based on Prior Informed Consent and Mutually Agreed Terms.

Three, most Member States of our Group agree that it is imperative for the IGC to explore the ways in which an effective mandatory disclosure requirement can be established, which would protect genetic resources, their derivatives and associated traditional knowledge against misappropriation.

Additionally, the Group recognizes the importance of establishing databases and other information systems and request WIPO to assist the development of such database systems.

Mr. Chairman, in September 2015, leaders of all the member states present in this room took a solemn pledge to “[T]ake urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity …” while endorsing “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. I am sure that the opportunity we have during this week to take an important step towards meeting our leaders’ commitment to safeguard biodiversity will not be lost sight of.

I’d like to assure you, Mr. Chairman that my group is willing to walk an extra mile and urge other groups to engage in a spirit of cooperation so that we all can arrive at a landing zone where the gaps in our respective positions are narrowed and we reach a common understanding on the issues at hand.

Some of the members of my group have a different statement and they will submit their country position either through a statement if you allow or in written format.

With these words I thank you once again for the opportunity.