Doha: The Conference on the Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Intellectual Property (IP) Protection, and Innovation in Advancing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Sustainable Development kicked off Monday in Doha. The event is convened in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), and the International Law Association-the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Branch.
According to Qatar News Agency, the two-day conference brings together scientists, legal experts, and policymakers to focus on protecting IP rights and exploring alternative dispute resolution methods. The conference aims to assess how sustainability policies can foster foreign investment and entrepreneurship within key economic sectors.
In his keynote speech, HE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, highlighted Qatar's priority on innovative dispute settlement techniques like arbitration and mediation. These techniques are seen as crucial pillars for economic development and investment attraction due to their efficiency and ability to enhance investor confidence.
The conference continues a series of successful collaborations between Qatar and WIPO, which have gained momentum since the first International Mediation and Arbitration Conference held in Doha last June. Dr. Al Sayed emphasized that these efforts align with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, aiming to establish Qatar as a hub for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth.
Dr. Al Sayed noted that the success of these initiatives depends on cooperation between public entities, the private sector, and international organizations. This conference serves as a platform for experts to discuss tools necessary for sustainable development, including dispute resolution, supporting innovation, protecting intangible assets, and attracting foreign investment.
The strategic cooperation between Qatar and WIPO plays a significant role in building effective IP systems that drive innovation and sustainable development, Dr. Al Sayed explained. These systems go beyond rights protection and are aligned with national and global sustainability goals.
Ahmed Issa Al Sulaiti, President of the International Law Association - GCC Branch, stated that the conference aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. The event fosters public-private partnerships and support for IP modernization, ensuring systems align with international standards.
Al Sulaiti added that Qatar's experience hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 laid the groundwork for a digital economy based on innovation. This demonstrated a model for international IP protection standards, strengthening legal systems to protect IP rights and attract foreign investment.
Ignacio de Castro, Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in advancing IP-related dispute resolution. The Center is experiencing rapid growth, with over 850 cases registered in 2024, and projections expect to surpass 1,000 cases this year.
Dean of the College of Law at HBKU, Dr. Susan L. Karamanian, highlighted Qatar's commitment to a supportive legal environment for investment and development. She noted the significance of arbitration in IP dispute settlement due to its complexity and need for specialized expertise. Karamanian also thanked conference partners and acknowledged the contributions of HBKU's College of Law in supporting Qatar's innovation and IP protection goals.