The legacy of World IP Day has never ceased to impress on global consciousness a profound theme that always affirms the benevolent gifts of creativity and innovation to mankind. This year's theme 'IP and SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity' shines a light on the central importance of innovation, creativity, and IP to achieving the 17 SDGs [bf8e7227]. According to the UN, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is 'a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity'. WIPO's theme strikes at the heart of the fragile sustainable development ecosystem and the central role of IP as a strategic tool in facilitating the SDGs' realization for the benefit of everyone without leaving anyone behind. WIPO holds two landmark Diplomatic Conferences that will further shape the vistas of creativity and innovation, and advance the cause of SDGs and our common future. The world has continued to witness the immense value of innovation and IP in providing solutions to diverse social problems such as in health, education, vaccines, climate and energy crises, renewable energy, agriculture, food security, digital and biotechnologies, human rights, economy, and more. The recurring intersections of the IP system and SDGs have raised several questions particularly on how the constant evolution of IP norms challenges the SDGs landscape and whether new and dynamic approaches to IP policy-making can and will deliver on development aspirations and SDGs. On the continent, Agenda 2063 reflects SDGs in Africa's aspirations for inclusive and sustainable development and taken alongside AcFTA and its Protocols, inclusive of the Protocol on IPRs, it aligns with WIPO's vision of 'our common future' through the instrumentality of innovation, creativity, and IP situated in the theme. Recent legislative and policy reforms in Nigeria contribute to expanding the compass of promoting and protecting creativity, and access to knowledge; promoting food security and agricultural innovation through the protection of new plant varieties; promoting trade facilitation and ease of doing business. The draft national IP policy and strategy (NIPPS), the institutionalization of the creative economy as a government ministry, and the harmonization of IP administration are pivotal initiatives in mainstreaming IP in national development policy architecture. With a sparse 12 percent of SDGs achieved, more dynamic and transformational interventions are needed to accelerate the SDGs milestones and revamp the broken global economy.
World Population Day is celebrated on July 11th every year to raise awareness about global population issues [45575864]. The theme for World Population Day 2024 is 'Sustainable Development for All: Empowering People, Strengthening Planet'. The day was established by the United Nations in 1989 to highlight the importance of population issues and their impact on development. It aims to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. Various events and activities are organized worldwide to mark the day and raise awareness about population-related challenges and solutions. The intersection of population issues and sustainable development underscores the need for collective action and innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable future for all. By empowering people and strengthening the planet, we can address the challenges posed by population growth and achieve the SDGs. Both World IP Day and World Population Day serve as reminders of the interconnectedness of global issues and the importance of collaboration and creativity in finding solutions [bf8e7227] [45575864].