MUN Presentation-Egypt Kwok Wai Yat(5) Lai Kin Ho(6)

Traditional knowledge It includes folklore and knowledge. It is a rich and diverse source of creativity and innovation. It often transmits the history, beliefs, ethics, and traditions of a particular people. The continuous adaptation, creation and dissemination of TK could result in commercial benefits for local communities and thus represent an important economic asset for their future.

Intellectual Property They are products of the mind. More specifically defined, all inventions, copyrightable materials, computer software, semiconductor mask works, and trademarks. The role of intellectual property (IP) rights in the conservation, management, and dissemination of TK has been accentuated by the globalization of markets, rapid advances in new technology and the growing value of intellectual commodities as cultural assets in a knowledge-based economy.

Traditional knowledge in Egypt In our country, there are different types of TK. For example, pyramids, sphinx, religious and temples.

Pyramid Pyramid is the important sign of our country. It represents that Our country is one of the Four civilized Countries.

Sphinx Also the sphinx is very famous in the world. Even the old-styled temples are historical building.

All these TK cannot be erased because all these are important to our world’s culture. Therefore we need to strengthen on the protection of intellectual property of TK.

Our policies There is a government department called Ministry of Culture deals with the protection of IP and TK. However, we lack the identification of the traditional knowledge and workable mechanism. There is no property standard and law in our country have been used to protect the IP and TK because the IP law is still under discussion by legislator’s.

Our government has made some proposal for tackling those problems. For example, they may encourage the establishment of folklore archives and make some academic conventions.

Our Stance We strongly encourages countries to work harder on the IP system. We need to recognize the rights of the respective traditional knowledge holders and the need of tackling the problems.

In order to safeguard the TK, We should recognize and given TK holders the rights to take action and seek remedies against abuse of traditional knowledge. Besides, we need to prevent the illegal usage of TK by other parties.

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