Doha Declaration Conference

About the Conference

The Doha Declaration Conference brings together policymakers, scientists, healthcare professionals, legal experts, and innovators to discuss the evolving relationship between intellectual property, public health, climate change, and sustainable development.

More than two decades after the landmark Doha Declaration, the conference provides a platform for global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy innovation to address today's international challenges.

Historical Background

2001 – Doha Declaration

In November 2001, Doha hosted trade talks over intellectual property and public health. The discussions resulted in the landmark Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health.

The Doha Declaration recognised that "the TRIPS Agreement does not and should not prevent members from taking measures to protect public health," particularly in relation to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other epidemics.

2012 – Climate Negotiations

More than a decade later, in December 2012, Doha hosted the international climate talks for parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992) and the Kyoto Protocol (1997).

Once again, intellectual property became a central issue, particularly concerning access to clean technologies and global climate action.

Conference Theme

In November 2001, Doha hosted trade talks over intellectual property and public health. The discussions resulted in the landmark Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health. The Doha Declaration recognised "that the TRIPS Agreement does not and should not prevent members from taking measures to protect public health" — particularly in relation to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other epidemics.

More than a decade later, in December 2012, Doha hosted the international climate talks for parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992) and the Kyoto Protocol (1997). There was, once again, a contentious debate over intellectual property—this time concerning clean technologies. The Climate Action Network proposed a Declaration on Intellectual Property and Climate Change to facilitate the rapid and efficient uptake of technologies supporting mitigation and adaptation.

In this Congress, scientists, policymakers, and practitioners come together 22 years after the Doha Declaration to revisit its legacy, evaluate its global impact, and explore new solutions for public health, climate resilience, technology transfer, and international cooperation.