Building of A Common Platform Between Developing Countries

On 4-5 December 2008, the South Centre organized a training workshop on EPAs/FTAs for developing country negotiators in Brussels.

The workshop was organized by the Trade for Development Programme of the South Centre.

Workshop agenda can be downloaded from here.

Working Lunch on WIPO Programme and Budget Committee and WIPO Assemblies

On 3 December 2008, the Innovation and Access to Knowledge Programme (IAKP) of the South Centre organized a working lunch meeting to discuss and coordinate developing country participation at the WIPO Programme and Budget Committee (10-11 December) and the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO (12 December).

These two meetings took decisions with respect to two key issues: defining new goals for the organization, and the financing for all it activities, including the implementation of the WIPO Development Agenda and technical assistance to developing countries.

An analysis by the South Centre estimates that the budget share for development
activities has decreased by about 15.5% in the Revised P&B in comparison to
the P&B approved at the WIPO General Assembly in March (GA/44/2).

Principles and Modalities of EU-Indian Cooperation on African Development

Dr. Yash Tandon, Executive Director of the South Centre delineated the "Principles and Modalities of EU-Indian Cooperation on African Development" at an international conference on “Engaging with a resurgent Africa” organised in New Delhi on 20th and 21st of November.

The conference was organised jointly by Observer Research Foundation and Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung of Germany.

According to Dr. Tandon, in any future relationship between Europe and India on Africa’s development, it must be a matter of common understanding that the colonial history should not be repeated. Development is a good objective, but it cannot justify an asymmetrical power relationship between the three partners of development, or an unequal sharing of its benefits. This should be the starting point of any discussion on the subject of this triangular relationship.

Capacity Building of Parliamentarians from Eastern and Southern Africa on EPAs

Ms. Luisa Rodriguez, Programme Officer, Trade for Development Programme gave a presentation on "Food Security and EPAs" at a workshop organized by Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development (ACORD) in Kenya to build the capacity of parliamentarians on EPA-related issues.

The workshop was held on 14 -15 November 2008 in Nairobi.