First Ever High Level Ministerial Segment to Kick-off WIPO Assemblies

Geneva, September 18, 2009
PR/2009/602

For the first time, the annual meetings of WIPO member states will begin with a two-day high-level ministerial segment reflecting the importance of intellectual property (IP) in senior policy-making spheres. The high-level segment on September 22 and 23, 2009 will bring together over forty ministers who will address national IP priorities.

The Assemblies of WIPO member states, meeting in Geneva from September 22 to October 1, 2009, offer an opportunity for the Organization’s 184 member states to review the status of activities and discuss future work.

The ministerial segment will focus attention on the IP challenges confronting senior policy-makers and will provide input to help ensure that the Organization continues to deliver services that address the practical needs of its member states. A full list of ministers attending the meeting, together with their statements will be available.

All Assemblies documents are available. This year’s agenda includes consideration and approval of the Organization’s program and budget for 2010/11.

An exhibition, organized with the Government of Ecuador, will be held on the sidelines of the Assemblies, from September 22 to October 11, 2009. The exhibition will showcase works by contemporary Ecuadorian artists, as well as samples of Ecuador’s most famous geographical indications – Montecristi hats and Arriba Cacao.