The Diwan: GCC at Harvard Conference Explores Intellectual Property and Investment Strategies in the Gulf
Cambridge, MA – May 12, 2024
The inaugural Diwan: GCC at Harvard Conference convened at Harvard University from May 10 to May 12, 2024, marking a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and cross-disciplinary exchange between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and the United States. Organized by The Diwan, a student-run organization at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the conference aimed to empower Gulf creatives and stimulate dialogue on pressing regional issues.
Under the theme ‘Harmony in Collaboration: Unleashing Gulf Creativity’, the event featured over 24 panels, more than 5 workshops, 2 concerts, multiple tours, and exhibitions showcasing innovative projects and initiatives. The gathering attracted over 100 esteemed speakers and more than 1,000 attendees, including experts from diverse fields such as arts and culture, business and innovation, public policy, healthcare, science and technology, and law.
A highlight of the conference was the session on ‘Intellectual Property and Investment Strategies in the GCC’, which provided an in-depth exploration of the complexities surrounding intellectual property (IP) rights in the region. Moderated by Elena I. Athwal, Harvard Law School LL.M. graduate in International Environmental & Energy Law and Research Fellow for the UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), the panel featured distinguished experts:
Ahmed Essa Al-Sulaiti – Director of the Office of the State of Qatar to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other Economic Organizations in Geneva
Eric Solovy – Vice President and Legal Counsel at Qualcomm, and Practitioner in Residence at the Center for Intellectual Property x Innovation Policy (C-IP²) at George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School
Kamil Homsi – Entrepreneur and Investment Strategist
Dr. Bassam Al-Feeli – Innovator and Technologist specializing in sensors technologies, nanotechnology, fiber optics, solar energy, and nuclear energy
The panelists engaged in a dynamic discussion on the current IP regulatory frameworks within GCC countries, recent reforms aimed at fostering innovation, and the challenges startups face in protecting intellectual property. They also examined the implications of global IP agreements on the GCC and the role of IP in promoting technological advancement and economic diversification.
The session underscored the critical importance of robust IP rights in driving innovation and attracting investment to the GCC region. It highlighted the need for harmonization with international standards and the development of stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect creators’ rights while ensuring access to knowledge.
The Diwan: GCC at Harvard Conference successfully provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, paving the way for future collaborations and policy developments in the realm of intellectual property and beyond. The event exemplified the spirit of cross-cultural exchange and set a precedent for continued engagement between the GCC and the global community.
Get more information on the event: https://www.thediwanhu.org/gcc-at-harvard-2024