Sudanese University Honors WIPO Director General
Geneva, December 23, 2003
Press Updates UPD/2003/215
One of Sudan's most prestigious academic institutions, the Al Emam Al Mahdi University in the White Nile State, awarded on December 18, 2003 an Honorary Doctorate to Dr. Kamil Idris, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in recognition of his contribution to promoting economic development, cultural well-being and social advancement at a national and international level.
The degree was presented to Dr. Idris by Mr. El Zoubayir Bashir Taha, Sudan's Minister for Education and Technology during a day-long ceremony in the presence of Mr. Magzoub Yousif, Head of the White Nile State, Mr. Ali Mohamad Othman Yassin, Sudan's Minister for Justice, and Mr. Abu Sin Mohamad Hamad, Vice President of the Judiciary.
Speaking to an audience of over 1,000 people, including several federal ministers, local officials and politicians, academics, scientists, students, non-governmental representatives and members of the public, Dr. Idris expressed his gratitude for having been conferred with this honor and highlighted the importance of intellectual property protection for nations like Sudan. Dr. Idris also underlined the role of academic institutions as vast storehouses of knowledge and information.
Dr. Idris said that the intellectual property system is a critical tool for social development, economic growth and wealth creation. He pledged his firm commitment to support all countries in their efforts to use that tool to their best advantage. Highlighting the universal importance of intellectual property, Dr. Idris, said all nations can capitalize on the tools of the intellectual property system for development and wealth creation.
The Director General said the intellectual property system is a driver of technological development and ensures a force for the enrichment of global cultural heritage. He 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 and contributing to a more secure future. 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. Dr. Idris said creativity is an infinite resource, native to all peoples and relevant to all times and cultures.
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;
- E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int
- Fax: (+41 22) 338 88 10.