Sudanese University Honors WIPO Director General

Geneva, April 5, 2007
UPD/2007/291

The University of Al Gezira presented on April 2, 2007 an honorary doctorate degree to the Director General of  the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, for his contribution to the promotion of intellectual property as a tool for economic, social and cultural development. The degree was presented to the Director General at a ceremony at the University by Al Gezira State Governor, General Abdel Rahman Sir Al Khatim. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ismail Hassan Hussein,  was also present at the ceremony.

At the ceremony, attended by top Government and University officials, Dr. Idris expressed his gratitude for the honor conferred upon him. In his acceptance speech, the Director General said that the intellectual property system is a critical tool for social development, economic growth and wealth creation. Highlighting the universal importance of intellectual property, Dr. Idris, said all nations can capitalize on the instruments of the intellectual property system for development and wealth creation.

The Director General said that today, universal acceptance and the strategic use of intellectual property offers an opportunity for individuals, businesses and countries to convert their creative resources into economic assets capable of generating wealth. He further noted that a strong national commitment to the intellectual property system ensures the establishment of an environment within which the creative and innovative potential of a country may flourish.

The University of Al Gezira, founded in 1975, is located in Wad Madani, which lies on the west bank of the Blue Nile, southeast of Khartoum, in the State of Gezira, with a population of approximately 3.3 million. Dr. Idris commended the University on the high caliber of its programs and also discussed questions of cooperation with the WIPO Academy. Officials from the University, which is one of Sudan’s leading academic institutions, expressed interest in collaborative efforts to enhance the teaching of intellectual property and enforcement mechanisms at their institution.