The 65th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) commenced on July 9, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. Samoa’s delegation, led by Honourable Leota Laki Lamositele Sio, the Minister for Commerce, Industry, and Labour, included the Registrar, Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling, and Fiu Semaia Faaola, Policy Advisor for the Minister. They were accompanied by Afioga Toleafoa Nella Pepe Tavita Levy, the Permanent Representative and Ambassador for Samoa to the United Nations in Geneva, and Ms. Lonnie Tuatagaloa of Samoa’s Permanent Mission in Geneva.
In his statement, Honourable Leota congratulated WIPO and its members on the successful conclusion and adoption of the historic Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources, a result of 25 years of hard work and negotiations. The Minister acknowledged WIPO’s ongoing technical support received by Samoa for enhancing IP awareness and protection. The Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property Division has benefited significantly from this support, transmitting its success to the private sector through its branding work under the National Branding Bureau. Since establishing its international registries in December 2018, the Registry has also contributed financially to the national economy.
WIPO has 193 member countries, with Samoa joining on July 11, 1997. While in Geneva, the Minister and delegation met with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization; Mr. Daren Tang, the WIPO Director General; and Mrs. Rebeca Grynspan, the Secretary General of UNCTAD, to discuss matters of interest for Samoa’s benefit and to strengthen collaboration.
An important briefing on the Pacific work on IP was organized by the Permanent Delegation of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS) for the Pacific Ambassadors and Minister Leota. One outcome of this briefing was the finalization of an official intervention from the Pacific Group to be presented by Honourable Leota at the WIPO Plenary.
The WIPO General Assembly meeting will continue until July 17, 2024.
