World Intellectual Property Organization
Approximately 45 Delegations - Double Delegate
Topic A: Balancing Vaccine IP Protection and Accessibility
Topic B: Balancing Seed Patents, GMOs, and Food Security
Welcome to the WIPO Committee for ILMUNC XLI! This year, delegates will address two critical global challenges: Balancing Vaccine IP Protection and Accessibility and Balancing Seed Patents, GMOs, and Food Security. On the first topic, delegates will consider the balance between intellectual property rights and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, particularly in low-income regions. The second topic will focus on the benefits and risks of GMOs in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. Delegates will work together to craft policies that promote sustainability, equity, and global cooperation in food and public health.
Dear Delegates,
I am excited to welcome you to the World Intellectual Property Organization of ILMUNC! My name is Shaan, and as a co-chair, I look forward to guiding you through engaging and impactful discussions that explore the various issues related to intellectual property.
Often referred to as the global forum for intellectual property services, policy, information, and cooperation, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) focuses on promoting innovation and creativity through a balanced and accessible international intellectual property (IP) system. Protecting IP rights is essential for fostering technological progress and economic development worldwide, and WIPO works in collaboration with its member states to ensure these rights are respected and upheld. Yet, given the sensitive nature of food sources and life-saving vaccines, it is important that the goal of protecting IP is balanced with the UN’s sustainable development goals of Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-Bing. The protection of intellectual property has become increasingly complex and important, and I look forward to discussing strategies to effectively regulate and safeguard IP in this rapidly evolving landscape.
A little bit about me—I’m originally from Carmel, IN, and I’m currently a senior in the College of Arts and Science majoring in economics with a minor in computer science. After three previous years in the ILMUNC Secretariat helping to plan ILMUNC, I’m excited to enjoy ILMUNC in a different capacity this year as a co-chair! In my spare time, I enjoy cooking for friends and going for runs on the Schuylkill River Trail.
May, Carson, and I are all incredibly excited to be working with you all this year in WIPO. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, or just want to chat!
Shaan Mishra
Co-Chair, World Intellectual Property Organization
shaanm@sas.upenn.edu
DEAR DELEGATES,
I am excited to welcome you to the The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) of ILMUNC XLI! My name is Carson Mozingo and as the Co-Chair I look forward to guiding you through engaging and impactful discussions that explore various aspects of intellectual property and the nuisances that come with it in day to day life.
WIPO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting innovation and creativity through the protection of intellectual property (IP) worldwide. WIPO’s main functions include setting international IP standards, resolving disputes, and supporting member states in developing effective IP laws and policies. As delegates, you will have the opportunity to debate and create solutions to ensure that innovation is fostered while balancing the rights of creators, businesses, and the public. In this committee, you will explore tangible global challenges and opportunities surrounding IP, such as regulation on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and vaccine patents.
A little bit about me, I am a senior in the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business where I study Finance at the Wharton School and International Studies and Spanish. I’m from Greenville, South Carolina. While I didn’t have a Model UN program in high school, I joined ILMUNC my first year of college and helped bring to life the 38th, 39th, and 40th iterations of ILMUNC as an Associate Secretary General, Under Secretary General, and Chief of Staff, respectively. If you’ve been to ILMUNC in the past, you might even remember me running between GA rooms or sitting on the dias! This will be my first conference as a Chair, and I hope that you all have an enriching and valuable experience! Outside of ILMUNC, I am involved in Penn Club Swim and student government. I love to travel, hike, run, and more!
Shaan, May, and I are all looking forward to working with you in the WIPO committee. I am committed to making sure you have a great experience at ILMUNC. I know first hand how special this conference is, and I cannot wait to chair for the first time. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.
Carson Mozingo
Co-Chair, World Intellectual Property Organization
cmozingo@wharton.upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
I am excited to welcome you to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Committee at ILMUNC! My name is May, and as a moderator, I look forward to guiding you through thought-provoking discussions on crucial issues concerning international peace, security, and intellectual property.
With innovation and technology advancing rapidly, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) plays a vital role in harmonizing international IP laws. This not only promotes innovation but also safeguards global security, especially as we navigate the complex intersections between technology, health, and international development. This year, we’ll explore the delicate balance between protecting intellectual property and ensuring global accessibility, particularly in relation to vaccine production and food security.
As the COVID-19 pandemic showed, IP protections can both foster innovation and present barriers to equitable access to life-saving treatments. In our committee, we will examine how international frameworks, like those established by WIPO, can be improved to address the tension between incentivizing pharmaceutical innovation and ensuring vaccines are accessible to all populations, especially in times of crisis.
To tell you more about myself, I’m a senior in Wharton studying Finance and I’m originally from Connecticut. I’ve been a part of ILMUNC since my freshman year at Penn and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. Outside of ILMUNC, I love trying new restaurants around Philly and I love hiking and field hockey.
Carson, Shaan, and I are so excited to be chairing this committee. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the committee or the topics we will be discussing.
Best regards,
May Nellicherry
Moderator, World Intellectual Property Organization
mnell@wharton.upenn.edu
