WIPO Annual Assemblies to begin with High Level Segment on Innovation & Development

Geneva, September 15, 2010
PR/2010/656

The annual meetings of WIPO member states begin on September 20, 2010 with a two-day high-level ministerial segment on the theme “Innovation, Growth and Development: The Role of Intellectual Property and Member States’ National Experiences.” Some 70 ministers have confirmed their participation in the event, reflecting the importance of intellectual property (IP) in senior policy-making spheres.

The Assemblies of WIPO member states, meeting in Geneva from September 20-29, 2010, provide an opportunity for the Organization’s 184 member states to review the status of activities and discuss future work.

The ministerial segment will allow top officials to exchange experiences related to their respective national IP strategies and priorities. They will also provide guidance to WIPO on future work directions. The first high level segment in 2009 was welcomed by participants as an important means of raising the profile of IP issues among senior policy makers, at both the national and international level.

Two cultural events – one organized with the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco and the other with the Government of the Sultanate of Oman - will be held on the sidelines of the Assemblies. The Moroccan event features the various facets of the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Oman exhibition showcases the multiplicity of the country’s craft industries.

The full proceedings of the Assemblies will be webcast. A press gallery at the conference hall (CICG, 17 rue de Varembé) is also open to accredited journalists.