This transversal line seeks to describe the dynamics of trade agreements, increase their understanding, and highlight the relationship between the different elements that compose it. We hope to identify strategies and intervention objectives, and design action plans to address intellectual property and public interest issues related to access to medicines, digital rights, or copyright.


As trade agreements have evolved and moved beyond import tariffs and quotas toward regulatory standards and harmonization, they have become an essential international intellectual property law source. Recent trade agreements also began to include digital policy chapters with far-reaching consequences for digital rights, privacy, technology, and public policy. In the development of international standards, the role of trade agreements can no longer be ignored. As multilateral negotiations become increasingly complex, lengthy, and far-reaching, our community must be informed, engaged, and aware of the critical role they must play. Cooperation and coordination are necessary to engage the community about this topic.
This cross-cutting track aims to “connect the dots”, educate about trade agreements, and foster understanding and interconnection between the different tracks. It will identify possible strategies and objectives of intervention and will develop action plans for each thematic line.

This transversal line seeks to describe the dynamics of trade agreements, increase their understanding, and highlight the relationship between the different elements that compose it. We hope to identify strategies and intervention objectives, and design action plans to address intellectual property and public interest issues related to access to medicines, digital rights, or copyright.

Francisco Rossi Buenaventura

Francisco Rossi is a Medical Epidemiologist, with extensive experience in international public health, especially in pharmaceutical policies, intellectual property, and access to medicines. He was an advisor to the Ministry of Health of Colombia in negotiating the Free Trade Agreement with the United States of America. He has worked as a consultant for international organizations such as PAHO and UNDP. Currently, he is a Senior Advisor to the IFARMA Foundation.