Dr Omam Esther Pushes for Inclusive Intellectual Property Systems at WIPO Dialogue

Cameroonian humanitarian and peacebuilding advocate Dr Omam Esther has called for more inclusive intellectual property systems that recognise and protect innovations from grassroots communities, especially those living in fragile and conflict-affected environments.

Dr Omam, Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon (ROC), made the call during the WIPO NGO Stakeholder Dialogue held on July 10, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Drawing from nearly three decades of experience in humanitarian action, community development, and peacebuilding, she said conflict-affected communities often develop innovative solutions to survive and rebuild, but many of these ideas remain unrecognised and unprotected.

She stressed that intellectual property should go beyond protecting inventions to ensuring that women, young people, and local innovators receive recognition, ownership, and economic benefits from their creativity.

Responding to her intervention, WIPO Director General Daren Tang highlighted initiatives supporting grassroots innovators, including mentoring programmes in Cameroon and Zimbabwe that help women entrepreneurs develop trademarks, branding, and intellectual property strategies.

During the event, Dr Omam Esther received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Egyptian Council for Innovation, Creativity and Protection of Information (ECCIPP) for her commitment to advancing innovation and empowering women through sustainable entrepreneurship.

She reaffirmed her commitment to using innovation as a tool for resilience, economic inclusion, and sustainable peace, insisting that communities creating solutions in difficult circumstances must be recognised and empowered to benefit from their ideas.

By Ndongho Fanita