As the lead UN agency mandated to lead the development of a balanced and effective international intellectual property (IP) system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is committed to working with developing and least developed countries to enable them to reap benefits from the IP system and to enhance their participation in the global innovation economy. A large number of our member states from the Global South have developed significant technological capabilities and know-how and learned to harness the power of science, technology and innovation as an engine for development. This in turn has led to the rise of innovative, tailor-made, potentially transferable and adaptable solutions to address common Southern development challenges in the field of IP. In line with its mandate, WIPO’s role is largely that of a catalyst, spurring on promising home-grown initiatives and facilitating the mutually-beneficial exchanges that underpin South-South cooperation.