WIPO Director General Daren Tang met with representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during the annual WIPO-NGO dialogue, highlighting the importance of partnership and cooperation between WIPO, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
This year’s dialogue, held on the margins of the 66th Assemblies of the Member States, convened 68 accredited NGOs and related stakeholders to exchange views and strengthen engagement with the global intellectual property (IP) system.
“The diversity of this group shows that IP is a big tent, and this tent is growing even bigger,” Mr. Tang said. “IP touches on every aspect of life, including health, education, culture, arts, music, technology, trade, finance, and the economy.”
Assistant Director General Andrew Staines, Administration, Finance and Management Sector, shared findings from the new WIPO Pathfinders Report, which analyzed current trends shaping the IP policy environment.
The report builds on two recent initiatives: WIPO Pulse, the first global IP awareness survey, and WIPO Catalyst, which explores the future of IP offices.
Assistant Director General Edward Kwakwa, Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector, which oversees WIPO’s cooperation with NGOs, also welcomed participants and expressed appreciation for their continued engagement with WIPO.
Ambassador Pimchanok Pitfield, Permanent Representative of Thailand to WIPO, moderated the session, underscoring that it represented an opportunity for engaged and constructive dialogue amongst participants.
During a questions & answers session, NGO representatives discussed issues ranging from artificial intelligence, health, awareness of rights of artists and performers, role of micro- small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and harmonization of IP procedures.
The WIPO-NGO Stakeholder Dialogue, which has taken place for over a decade, aims to build strong ties with WIPO and accredited NGOs. It provides a forum for them to share perspectives on IP issues and to engage directly with the WIPO Director General on priorities and ongoing activities.