Spotlighting the impact of WIPO’s COVID-19 Response Package and Beyond
July 15, 2024
A hybrid roundtable discussion dedicated to the outcomes of WIPO’s COVID-19 Response Package projects was held in the margins of the WIPO General Assembly, on July 10, 2024. Over 100 delegates representing WIPO member states attended to learn about the ways the COVID-19 Response Package contributed to building resilience and economic growth post-pandemic.
The roundtable discussion on the outcomes of WIPO's COVID-19 Response Package projects held in the margins of the WIPO General Assembly on July 10, 2024 at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. (Image: WIPO/ Martin)
The roundtable was opened by His Excellency Mr. Víctor Bisonó, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Dominican Republic, and Mr. Sherif Saadallah, Executive Director of the WIPO Academy who emphasized the extensive reach of the COVID-19 Response Package to new and underserved stakeholders across all geographical regions. The continued support offered through the Build Back Fund was underscored as well for member states wishing to submit requests for new tailor-made projects.
(left) H.E. Mr. Víctor Bisonó, Minister of Commerce, Industry and SMEs in the Dominican Republic, and Mr. Sherif Saadallah, Executive Director of the WIPO Academy (right) on the panel for the roundtable on the outcomes of WIPO's COVID-19 Response Package. (Image: WIPO/ Martin)
Which projects were presented?
More than 50 projects launched under the COVID-19 Response Package, eight of which were showcased at the roundtable for their impact on underserved communities including women, youth, entrepreneurs, and indigenous communities:
Promoting the Use of the IP System as a Source of Financing by Entrepreneurs and Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the Dominican Republic and Central American Countries
The Development of Collective and Certification Marks for the Crafts Sector in Bhutan
Strengthening the Management and Commercialization of the “Orégano de la Precordillera de Putre” Geographical Indication in Chile
Building IP Knowledge and Skills for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with the IP Training Institutions (IPTIs) in Egypt and Saudi Arabia
The IP Management Clinic for SMEs in Liberia
The IP Playbook for Entrepreneurs developed from experience working with the IPTIs in Latin America
Panelists of the roundtable on the outcomes of WIPO's COVID-19 Response Package. (Image: WIPO/Humsi)
Looking to the future
To continue supporting the implementation of projects launched under the COVID-19 Response Package, WIPO established the Build Back Fund for 2024/25. Member states can also continue to submit requests for new projects to address their specific needs, priorities and challenges to the Build Back Fund, which focuses on strengthening IP ecosystems, driving inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.
The diverse projects launched under the COVID-19 Response Package have sought to leverage the power of IP to address country-specific challenges, needs and priorities at this unprecedented time. The Build Back Fund ensures the continuity and completion of these projects and reaffirms WIPO’s commitment to responding to member states’ needs in agile, demand-driven and innovative ways.
Mr. Sherif Saadallah, Executive Director of the WIPO Academy
