Three African countries have signed a key protocol to a United Nations treaty aimed at encouraging more equitable sharing of the world’s genetic resources and their benefits, as the annual UN event to promote support for global pacts and conventions resumed today.

Member States were today invited to sign, ratify or accede to various international treaties during this year’s high-level General Assembly session next week, with a special focus on multilateral accords that deal with United Nations priorities, including human rights, disarmament, the prevention of terrorism and the protection of the environment.