Statement by H.E. Ambassador Reza DEHGHANI Deputy Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva At the Side Event  “From Adoption to Entry into Force: Advancing Ratification and Effective Implementation of the WIPO GRATK Treaty”  Geneva, 17 September 2026  ***** بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم Excellencies, Distinguished panellists, Colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon and welcome to this side event entitled “From Adoption to Entry into Force: Advancing Ratification and Effective Implementation of the WIPO GRATK Treaty.” It is my pleasure to moderate today’s discussion, organized by the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in cooperation with the South Centre, on the margins of the fifty-third session of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee. The adoption of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge on 24 May 2024 was a landmark achievement. It concluded more than two decades of negotiations and demonstrated that multilateralism can still deliver meaningful results, even on complex and long-standing issues. The Treaty is significant because, for the first time within the WIPO framework, it establishes a disclosure requirement for patent applications involving inventions based on genetic resources or associated traditional knowledge. Its objectives are to enhance the efficacy, transparency and quality of the patent system and to reduce the risk of patents being granted erroneously. This achievement carries particular importance for developing countries. Many of these countries possess exceptional biological diversity and are home to people that have developed, preserved and transmitted traditional knowledge over generations. Yet the origins and sources of these resources and knowledge have not always been sufficiently visible within the international patent system. It represents an important step towards a more transparent, balanced and inclusive international intellectual property system. The response to the Treaty has been encouraging. Forty-four countries signed it during the period open for signature. So far, Malawi, Uganda and Peru have ratified the Treaty, while Albania has acceded to it. These four instruments are important first steps, but the Treaty requires fifteen ratifications or accessions to enter into force. We therefore still need eleven additional countries to complete this journey. The Islamic Republic of Iran was pleased to sign the Treaty on 16 May 2025. Through its signature, Iran reaffirmed its support for the objectives of the Treaty and for the early realization of its potential. Iran is currently advancing its domestic ratification process, and the relevant bill has been submitted to the parliament for consideration. Our discussion today is therefore both timely and practical. How can the treaty be implemented effectively within different national IP systems? What forms of technical assistance and capacity-building are needed, particularly for developing countries? And how can we ensure that entry into force is followed by implementation that genuinely advances the Treaty’s objectives? We are privileged to have three distinguished panellists who will examine these questions from governmental, academic and development perspectives: Dr. Mohammadsadegh Azmandian, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Professor Chidi Oguamanam, Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ottawa; and Mr. Nirmalya Syam, Senior Programme Officer at the South Centre.   Following their presentations, we will open the floor for questions and comments. Conclusion Remarks As we conclude, allow me to highlight three messages emerging from today’s valuable discussion. First, the adoption of the GRATK Treaty was not the end of the process. It was the beginning of a new phase. The political compromise achieved in Geneva must now be translated into national decisions, institutional preparation and practical implementation. Second, the forty-four signatures demonstrate broad political support for the Treaty. However, with four ratifications or accessions deposited so far, eleven more are needed for its entry into force. Maintaining political momentum and supporting national ratification processes must therefore remain a shared priority. Third, entry into force alone will not be sufficient. Effective implementation will require clear national procedures, coordination among relevant authorities, adequate capacity within IP offices, appropriate guidance for applicants, and technical assistance tailored to the circumstances of developing countries. On behalf of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the South Centre, I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Azmandian, Professor Chidi and Nirmalya for their insightful contributions. I also thank all of you for your presence, questions and active participation. We hope today’s discussion will contribute to advancing the Treaty from adoption to entry into force, and from legal commitment to practical impact. Thank you very much. I now invite you to join us for the lunch. ---