WIPO Welcomes a Delegation of African Publishers
Geneva, April 26, 2001
Press Releases PR/2001/265
A delegation representing the African Publishers Network (APNET) met with officials of the World Intellectual Property Organization on April 26, 2001, which coincides with the first World Intellectual Property Day, to discuss issues of mutual interest. The APNET delegation, which was accompanied by officials from the International Publishers Assocation (IPA) and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), was briefed on WIPO's technical cooperation activities with African countries, as well as WIPO's work relating to traditional knowledge and folklore and public outreach. They were also briefed on activities of WIPO's Worldwide Academy.
"The meeting was very useful for both WIPO as well as the APNET members. It provided an opportunity for us to exchange views on crucial issues relating to intellectual property and how intellectual property can be better exploited as a tool for economic and cultural development of Africa," said Mr. Yu, WIPO Assistant Director General, who chaired the meeting. The Director of WIPO's Africa bureau, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, also welcomed the visit by the APNET members saying the publishers were uniquely placed to help promote the rights of creators in Africa.
The APNET delegation showed particular interest in matters relating to copyright. They underlined the need to improve channels of communication, training and the flow of information relating to intellectual property matters. The delegates also expressed concern about the lack of respect of copyright in Africa and the extent of piracy which inhibits cultural development. They welcomed efforts by WIPO to ensure respect for intellectual property rights in Africa and urged the secretariat to continue working closely with governments to ensure an adequate legal and enforcement framework for respect of intellectual property rights.
The visit by APNET coincided with the first World Intellectual Property Day, an opportunity to highlight the significance of creativity and innovation in people's daily lives and in the betterment of society. April 26 was chosen as it is the same day in 1970 when the Convention establishing WIPO entered into force. The Day is intended to highlight the importance and practical use of intellectual property. For more information on World Intellectual Property Day, please refer to Press Release 264/2001.
The APNET delegation included: M. Richard Crabbe, Chairman APNET, Africa Christian Press (Ghana), Mr. Brian Wafawarowa, New Africa Education Publishing (South Africa), Mr. Mamadou Aliou Sow, Editions Ganndal (Guinea), Mr. Bidjek Japhet Marie, Presse Universitaires de Yaoundé (Cameroon). The IPA was represented by Mr. Benoit Mueller, Secretary General, and Ms. Stephanie Tuteley. The OIF was represented by Ms. Coulibaly, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva.
For further information, please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at WIPO:
- Tel: (+41 22) 338 81 61 or (+41 22) 338 95 47;
- Fax: (+41 22) 338 88 10;
- E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int