The inaugural session of the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) Assemblies took place recently in the presence of hundreds of government delegates, such as ministers and observers. In his statement at the opening ceremony of the event, WIPO Director General Daren Tang stated that a variety of intellectual property-related indicators showcased significant resilience despite the economic repercussions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, Mr. Tang called on the World Intellectual Property Organization to work towards mirroring this trend of growth and increasing centrality of human innovation and creativity to enhance economic growth.

A number of participants attended the event in person in compliance with COVID-19 restrictions while others connected virtually.

Mr. Tang welcomed the attendees and further underlined his administration's vision towards a successful future of the organisation. He added that his administration has sustained a strong financial position and overcame the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of professionalism and adaptability shown by WIPO personnel.

Mr. Tang explained how 2020 growth in IP filings, research and development expenditure, and venture capital activity reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as indicated by the Global Innovation Index 2021.

"At the same time, we face global challenges that threaten the very existence of our lives, and pose an existential challenge to our planet – the pandemic, climate change, unequal growth and others enshrined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals," Mr. Tang added.

Therefore, he called on the WIPO to harness all its energies and deploy relevant expertise to help the sector in overcoming global challenges and lay the foundations for future growth. He expressed his administration's ambition to enable all countries, particularly developing countries and less-developed countries (LDCs), to use IP as a powerful tool to boost economic and social development.

During the week-long meeting, delegates have a wide range of factors to discuss, including a proposed Program of Work and Budget for the 2022/23 biennium for the Organisation which is based on a five-year strategic plan instituted by Mr. Tang's Administration.

Mr. Tang further noted that a critical priority of his administration is to reach those groups which are traditionally under-represented in using IP, such as youths, women and SMEs.

"Moving forward, we will continue to find new ways of reaching groups such as youth, women and small and medium sized enterprises who have too often been on the margins of the IP ecosystem," he highlighted.

Mr. Tang also shared the details of a new package of measures supporting member states at a time when they are working on returning to post-pandemic normalcy. In this regard, WIPO has stepped up its engagement with the World Health Organisation and the World Trade Organisation through a trilateral program to exchange support to each other during the pandemic.

"We meet against the backdrop of the greatest challenge humanity has faced in modern times – an inflection point which will come to define our collective future and that of generations to come. While the path ahead will not be easy, it is through innovation and creativity that we will overcome the pandemic and build back in a fair, inclusive and sustainable way," he added.

WAM