Stevie Wonder will perform in Marrakesh on Friday, in a concert that he promised to organize if government negotiators moved a treaty forward that would up the number of books for blind and visually impaired people around the world.
The "Overjoyed" singer, who has been an activist for blind rights and was born without sight, lobbied for an agreement that passed on Thursday by more than 600 agents from 186 states, Reuters reported the World Intellectual Property Organization as saying in a statement.
"This is a legacy, a gift to future generations," Wonder said, speaking on a video sent to intermediaries during their meeting to discuss the pact. "So let's finalize a new agreement that opens doors to the world's written treasures and moves towards a future where there are no barriers to the expansion of knowledge and enjoyment of culture."
Giving a nod to one of his most famous songs, Wonder then said, "Let's get this signed, sealed, delivered and I'm yours! Do this and I will come to Marrakesh and we will celebrate together."
It is unsure whether the prospect of a close and personal Stevie Wonder concert or broadening educational opportunities for the visually impaired spurred lawmakers to pass the treaty. Either way, Wonder will appear at the Palais des Congres on Friday at 2000 GMT.
Legislators at the diplomatic conference will be able to attend the performance.
The treaty works to overhaul copyright logistics that have blocked some stories from being published in formats that the vision impaired can use easily, WIPO said in their statement.
In order for certain books to be published in Braille, large font, or audio, some countries must pick up legislation that will allow the works to be reproduced and distributed, Reuters reported.
The bill will be named the "Marrakesh Treaty," and it is slated to go into effect when the 20 members of WIPO John Hancock on the dotted line.
WIPO Director-General Francis Gurry said this treaty is a well-balanced one, and "represents a very good arbitration of the diverse interests of the various stakeholders."
