Why in News?
The Third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources, and Intellectual Property Rights commenced in Goa on September 16, 2026.
Key Points
- The conference brought together representatives from all seven BIMSTEC member states to discuss traditional medicine, genetic resources and intellectual property rights.
- A major focus was the proposed BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine announced at the 2025 BIMSTEC Summit.
- Discussions covered the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), use of AI in documentation, IPR frameworks and benefit-sharing.
Exam Connect
- BIMSTEC → Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation → established 1997 by Bangkok Declaration → headquarters Dhaka
- AIIA → autonomous institute under Ministry of Ayush → main campus New Delhi + satellite campus Goa