Dr. Omam Esther, Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon and Global Peace Champion, has called for intellectual property systems that better recognize and protect innovations emerging from communities affected by conflict.
Speaking at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) NGO Stakeholder Dialogue in Geneva on Friday, July 10, 2026, she said grassroots innovators, particularly women and young people, often develop practical solutions in fragile environments but rarely receive formal recognition or economic benefits from their work.
Dr. Omam Esther drew on her experience in humanitarian action and peacebuilding, saying communities facing conflict continue to innovate despite difficult circumstances. She argued that protecting such innovations is essential to promoting inclusion, resilience, and sustainable development.
Her intervention prompted a response from WIPO Director General Daren Tang, who highlighted the organization's support for grassroots innovators through mentoring and training initiatives. He pointed to programs in Cameroon and Zimbabwe that have helped women entrepreneurs strengthen their brands and intellectual property rights, adding that more than 200,000 people have participated in WIPO's capacity-building programs over the past six years.
On the sidelines of the event, Dr. Omam Esther received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Egyptian Council for Innovation, Creativity, and Protection of Information (ECCIPP) in recognition of her work promoting innovation and empowering women through sustainable Entrepreneurship and social cohesion.
She said the dialogue reinforced the need for stronger partnerships to ensure that local innovators, particularly those in fragile and conflict-affected communities, can protect their ideas, benefit from their creativity, and contribute to lasting peace and development.
Dr. Omam said innovation exists even in the most challenging environments and stressed that those who create solutions should be recognized, protected, and given the opportunity to benefit from their work.
@Laarry Times
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