Ambassador Mero (United Republic of Tanzania)

Norway

13 The United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Panel Report on Access to Medicines

666. Norway attaches the greatest importance to tackling global health challenges including providing access to affordable medicines for all. My authorities in capital have not had the opportunity to analyse the Panel Report in detail, but we have a few preliminary comments. 667. It seems to us that the Panel Report does not give a fully representative picture regarding the role of patents and related IPRs in providing access to medicines. The Report seems to focus too narrowly on negative aspects, but the system is also contributing to bringing new medicines to the market. 668. The problems with access to medicines are very complex, with a range of factors weighing in, both at the international and national levels. We recognize that Members may have different views on the role of the patent system. A narrow focus on negative aspects of the system only is not conducive. In our view, we need to take a broader perspective. We do reserve the right to come back to this item with more detailed comments at a later stage.

The Council took note of the statements made and agreed to take the matter up as an ad hoc agenda item at its next meeting.

70. The Chairman said that Brazil, China, India and South Africa had requested that this item be added to the agenda. They had submitted a communication that briefly introduced the item, circulated in document IP/C/W/619.

71. The representatives of India, Brazil, South Africa, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Russian Federation, the United States, Canada, the European Union, Chile, Australia, Switzerland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Plurinational State of Bolivia and Norway took the floor.

72. The representatives of the Holy See, WHO, UNCTAD, and UNAIDS took the floor.

73. The representative of the Secretariat took the floor.

74. The Council took note of the statements made and agreed to take the matter up as an ad hoc agenda item at its next meeting.

IP/C/M/83, IP/C/M/83/Add.1