Director General Appoints Professor Atsain to the Industry Advisory Commission (IAC)
Geneva, November 10, 1999
Press Releases PR/1999/196
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, has appointed Dr. Achi Atsain, distinguished Professor of Economics and former Cabinet Minister, to the Industry Advisory Commission (IAC). Professor Atsain, a national of the Côte d'Ivoire, joins a prestigious group of business leaders on the IAC which advises the Director General on intellectual property questions of specific interest to industry. A list of members is attached.
Dr. Idris praised Professor Atsain's eminent career in the service of his country, his broad international experience, and his impeccable academic credentials. "We are pleased and honored that Professor Atsain has accepted our invitation to become a member of the Industry Advisory Commission. His extensive background in finance and economics and his broad international experience will be an asset to the work of the Commission," Dr. Idris said.
The establishment of the IAC in 1998 marked the beginning of a new partnership between WIPO and the private sector. The Commission, which brings together in bi-annual meetings some 20 high-level representatives of industry, is of crucial importance to WIPO in view of the fact that industry benefits most directly from intellectual property protection. In addition, the challenges that industry faces due to globalization and rapid developments in technology directly affect and are affected by intellectual property. At its inaugural meeting earlier this year, Dr. Idris said the establishment of the IAC marked "an historic shift in the policy of this Organization and in the vision which we would like to have for this universal body". He said the Commission will "ensure that, in particular, our norm-setting activities and the global protection systems will meet with the interests and needs of your respective institutions, industry and the market sector interests". The IAC provides a forum for industry leaders to exchange views with WIPO.
In appointing members to the IAC, Dr. Idris has sought to ensure a balance in geographical distribution, as well as well as diversity in professional and academic backgrounds. Professor Atsain brings to the Commission a broad range of experiences. His present position is Special Advisor in the Office of the President of the Côte d'Ivoire and he is also a member of the National Assembly. From December 1993 to August 1999, he served as Minister of Employment, Civil Service and Social Welfare. Professor Atsain also teaches economics at the University of Abidjan and has authored and contributed to over 30 works relating to various aspects of economic development. Several United Nations agencies, as well as the World Bank, have benefited from the Ivorian economist's expertise.
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