Carlos M. Correa

Policy Brief 151, 23 December 2025

Health Equity in Global Governance: growing recognition in need of concrete actions

By Carlos M. Correa

Health equity is a foundational principle of global health governance that should ensure all individuals have fair and just opportunities to achieve optimal health, regardless of social, economic, or geographical disparities. The right to health is recognized as a fundamental human right in Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). This document explores the concept of health equity drawing on United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions and key instruments from the World Health Organization (WHO). It discusses the challenges and opportunities for developing countries in pursuing equitable health outcomes, including advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights.

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SouthViews No. 273, 22 August 2024

The United Nations Call to Enhance International Cooperation for Capacity-Building on Artificial Intelligence

By Carlos M. Correa

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved into a transformative technology that permeates various facets of modern life, ranging from healthcare and education to finance and national security. Recognizing the profound implications and global nature of AI, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/78/311 which aims at fostering international cooperation regarding capacity-building in AI and ensuring that its development and deployment are ethical, equitable, and beneficial to all.

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Policy Brief 131, 3 July 2024

Understanding the New WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge

By Nirmalya Syam and Carlos M. Correa

A new WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge was adopted on 24 May 2024. The treaty creates an international obligation for patent applicants to disclose the source or origin of genetic resources (GRs) and associated traditional knowledge (TK) in patent applications. This development marks a significant step towards mitigating the misappropriation of GRs and TK, particularly benefiting developing countries that have long advocated for such a framework. While the treaty establishes minimum standards for disclosure and sanctions, it permits contracting parties considerable flexibility in implementation and opens avenues for future expansion of its scope to address emerging technologies and derivative products.

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