Ambassador Azeez emphasises importance of IP for Sustainable Development

Wednesday, 26 September 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez, speaking at the 58th Session Series of Meetings of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assemblies on 24 September, stated that WIPO was pivotal for a rules-based global order built on sustainable peace and shared progress and prosperity.

“We should continue to strive together to make this vision a reality. Sri Lanka looks forward to proactively contributing to the effective realisation of that vision, ensuring the rich dividends of IP (intellectual property) for its people,” he added.

Ambassador Azeez stressed the importance of IP for economic development with its potential to uplift the lives of millions. Referring to reconciliation, peace-building and economic development in Sri Lanka, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka stressed that “the continuation of targeted empowerment efforts, particularly since 2015, had resulted in more and more innovations enjoying IP protection” while unleashing the potential for innovation among youth and women in all regions of Sri Lanka.

However, while advantages abound, challenges also remain, he noted, highlighting the requirement for a more balanced representation of regions in the composition of WIPO governing bodies, which was more pronounced today.

Emphasising the need for a fair and balanced intellectual property system for economic development, Ambassador Azeez said sustained efforts in mainstreaming the Development Agenda of WIPO’s work were vital for the long-term relevance and success of the organisation.

Sri Lanka also expressed appreciation for WIPO’s valuable assistance in implementing the 10-Point Action Plan for cooperation in the field of IP which had brought tangible benefits to Sri Lanka including capacity-building, expertise and guidance of WIPO.

National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka Director General Geethanjali Ranawaka and Minister Counsellor Shashika Somaratne also participated in this session. The WIPO General Assemblies will continue until 2 October in Geneva.

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