More than 35 participants from six Asia-Pacific countries, representing Ministries of Creative Economies and national intellectual property offices, took part in a three-day regional training on Communication Skills for Development Agenda (DA) Projects. This training was organized by WIPO in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), and with support from the Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global, and was held in Manila, Philippines, from December 17 to 19, 2025.
The Regional Training on Communication Skills for Development Agenda (DA) Project Managers and Officers from Asia and the Pacific countries aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to understand, position, and communicate the objectives, results, and impact of DA projects, while also fostering stronger regional collaboration and increasing the visibility of Development Agenda initiatives. This training marked the third in-person regional training on communication skills for DA Project National Focal Points.
This was the second edition of regional trainings conducted under the Funds-In-Trust Japan framework for DA projects. Earlier editions, implemented during 2024 and 2025, focused on project management for National Focal Points responsible for implementing Development Agenda projects. Building on that foundation, the Manila training placed greater emphasis on strategic communication as a core project management skill.
The training was officially opened by Mr. Nathaniel S. Arevalo, Acting Director General of IPOPHL, and Mr. Georges Ghandour, Senior Counsellor, Development Agenda Coordination Division of WIPO. In their opening remarks, they highlighted the essential role of communication in bridging technical work with real-world impact, noting that effective communication enables development results to reach policymakers, innovators, and communities in a meaningful and accessible way.
Strengthening Strategic Communication Skills
The program of the event combined conceptual learning with practical application, addressing key elements of strategic communication such as defining objectives, identifying audiences, shaping clear messages, and selecting appropriate communication channels. Participants explored both digital and traditional communication tools, reviewed the communication resources WIPO uses, and discussed emerging approaches, including the responsible use of digital technologies for content development.
Working in groups, participants applied these concepts to selected DA projects, developing communication and dissemination approaches tailored to regional and national contexts. This interactive format encouraged peer learning and exchange of experiences, allowing participants to reflect on common challenges and opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.
The regional training demonstrated the value of investing in communication capacities to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of Development Agenda projects. By equipping DA Project Managers and Officers with practical communication skills, the training contributed to ensuring that development outcomes are more widely understood, shared, and sustained.
Sustaining Regional Collaboration and Impact
Participants expressed strong appreciation for the training, highlighting its relevance to their day-to-day work and the practical value of strengthening communication skills alongside technical expertise. Many noted that the regional format created a supportive environment for open exchange, allowing National Focal Points to learn from one another’s experiences and approaches. Such regional activities were widely seen as valuable opportunities to build trust, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional networks, with participants expressing interest in continued and expanded training initiatives in the future.
The training strengthened communication capacities among national focal points, supporting clearer outreach and engagement around Development Agenda projects across Asia and the Pacific. It reflects WIPO’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the visibility and impact of development-oriented intellectual property initiatives in the region.