Following a busy year in 2006, which saw the completion of the regional training programme, attendance at key strategic conferences, participation in inter-governmental meetings at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and consultations as well as the provision of legal advice to eIFL member countries, we are looking forward to an exciting programme ahead in 2007.

eIFL-IP will continue to focus on capacity building and in providing support to the eIFL-IP copyright expert network. We will provide tools and resources to build and strengthen national policy positions and participation by national experts in national and regional events. We will continue to have a visible presence at WIPO, especially for discussions on a development agenda and the proposed treaty for the protection of broadcast organisations, both of which will be decided in 2007. We have also been invited to take part in a project to explore compulsory licensing for educational materials, which could potentially be of enormous benefit to libraries and education.

A warm thank you to the eIFL-IP network for their cooperation and support in 2006 and we look forward to a productive new year!