52. Discussions were based on document WO/PBC/1/4 ("Program Performance in 1998").
53. In introducing the document, the Secretariat recalled that the program and budget for the 1998-1999 biennium was WIPO's first results-based budget; the report on program performance was the first attempt by the Secretariat to utilize performance indicators to assess the extent to which the expected results had been achieved or progress made in their achievement. In noting that the Organization's new process of program performance evaluation would evolve further in both its conception and implementation, it invited comments or suggestions from the Committee on how best to further develop and improve both the assessment and presentation of program performance.
54. The Delegation of Japan, speaking on behalf of Group B, welcomed and commended the report on program performance as a great help in enhancing understanding of WIPO's activities. The document was particularly important because it was the first program performance report made for the Organization. As the report had been received only a few weeks ago, Group B members wanted to study it and would seek further clarifications. Some improvements could be made, such as the inclusion of detailed cash spending figures as performance indicators. The Delegation added that Group B would later make further suggestions for improvements.
55. The Delegation of Uganda, speaking on behalf of the African Group, welcomed the program performance document, which it found very clear and concise. Not only did the report outline the progress achieved under the various major programs; it also clearly indicated areas where concerns were encountered. This was a very important element for future programming and would enable steps to be taken to redress problems at an early stage. The African Group congratulated the Director General for the remarkable achievement in preparing the report, especially considering that the program and budget for the 1998-1999 biennium had only been approved last March, that the report had been prepared concurrently with the draft Program and Budget for the 2000-2001 biennium, and that the Organization had gone through a transition period of reform and reorganization. The report's overview showed tangible accomplishments within this short time, including the meetings of the Industry Advisory Commission and the Policy Advisory Commission (the Delegation looked forward to being informed of their discussions), the distance learning program of the Worldwide Academy which will broaden the scope of human resource development, and a number of symposiums and workshops for developing countries, and especially LDCs, addressing their concerns about the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement. The African Group agreed with the statement in the overview that the Director General had fulfilled not only the promises he made over a year ago to Member States, but had also set into motion strategic actions to ensure the long-term stability and lasting effects of key programs.
56. The Delegation of the United States of America expressed its thanks for the comprehensive performance report on WIPO's first results-based program and budget. The report reflected WIPO's commitment to transparency and accountability. It offered a wealth of information and insight into the operations of the programs in 1998. Recognizing the difficulty in attempting to capture the full scope of performance in a few sentences, the Delegation said that it would appreciate more concrete statements of the elements necessary for success, in order for Member States to understand the relationship between performance indicators and results achieved. The Delegation observed that in some parts of the report the relationship between performance indicators and results achieved was very clear, and in such cases it was very happy with both the form and substance presented; however, in other parts of the report, greater clarity was desirable. The Delegation considered that efforts to demonstrate reductions in costs were very important, and should be amplified with more detail, in particular, in order to indicate what specific actions had resulted in the savings. In conclusion, the Delegation said that it was in general very pleased with the report. It was particularly impressed by the Secretariat's openness to Member States' comments on the report, which demonstrated a new level of confidence in the relationship between the Secretariat and the Member States.
57. The Delegation of Ecuador thanked WIPO for the very comprehensive document on program performance at the mid-term. The report would be the subject of detailed analysis in its country. The Delegation noted the importance of the process of evaluating programs, which should be undertaken regularly in order to improve program performance. The program performance report, which objectively informs Member States regarding the extent of achievement of the expected results, was important and should be a standard WIPO practice. The Delegation congratulated the Director General and the Secretariat for their achievements in this regard.
58. The Delegation of Switzerland expressed its satisfaction and congratulated the Director General for the report. It suggested that the report should show a clear link between the programs and the organizational units responsible for their implementation, in order to strengthen responsibility and clarify relationships within the organizational structure. An organization chart would also be helpful in providing greater transparency. The Delegation said that it would also like to receive more frequent data about monthly activities under the various global protection systems, in order to further improve transparency; the Delegation suggested that that could be achieved through a quarterly management letter of two or three pages.
59. The Secretariat stated that the very useful comments made by the various delegations had been carefully noted.
