Khartoum: The 68th session of the General Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which opened on July 7, concluded yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland, with the participation of General Counsel Dr. Adel Shams-Eddin and General Counsel Huda Salih.
According to Sudan News Agency, Sudan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Hassan Hamid, delivered Sudan's statement during the opening session. He emphasized the country's commitment to strengthening and protecting intellectual property, recognizing its crucial role in economic development. The ambassador commended the ongoing cooperation between Sudan and WIPO in crafting a comprehensive national intellectual property strategy, which includes registering Sudanese products with established reputation and quality under the geographical indications system.
Ambassador Hamid highlighted the challenges facing Sudan's intellectual property system, noting that valuable assets had been looted and the system severely damaged due to a proxy war waged by an outlawed rebel militia with military and political backing from a regional sponsor. This conflict has led to the migration of skilled professionals and qualified personnel, hindering innovation and creativity. He called on WIPO to actively support reconstruction and recovery efforts to help restore and revitalize Sudan's intellectual property framework.
The Sudanese delegation also engaged with several WIPO officials to discuss ongoing technical assistance efforts. These talks focused on rehabilitating registration systems, preserving data, and strengthening the capacity of Sudanese intellectual property personnel. WIPO officials expressed their readiness to provide technical support and capacity-building assistance to Sudan.