In a statement delivered at the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), held in Geneva on April 21, Ali Bahreini called for the full and effective implementation of the WIPO Development Agenda.
The full text of the Iranian ambassador’s statement is as follows:
In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful;
Thank you Mr. Chair,
We express our appreciation to you, Ambassador Carlos Sorreta, for your able stewardship of this process, as well as to the Secretariat for the organization of this meeting.
The Islamic Republic of Iran extends its warmest congratulations to Mr. Daren Tang on his well-deserved re-election as Director General of the WIPO. We believe that Mr. Tang, with his high diplomatic skills, profound knowledge of international IP issues and challenges, as well as his successful experience during his first term as WIPO DG, will competently guide this international organization in realizing its principles and purposes.
We further express our confidence that WIPO, will continue to carry out its mandate in full alignment with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, as well as with the inherent mission of the Organization.
This appointment comes at a critical juncture. The global innovation and IP landscape is evolving rapidly, presenting both significant opportunities and complex challenges, especially for developing countries. In this context, it is essential that WIPO continues to advance an IP system that not only fosters innovation, but also promotes inclusivity, supports sustainable development, and reflects the diverse needs and priorities of its Member States.
In this regard, we welcome the approach pursued over the past six years to transform WIPO from a predominantly technical organization into a catalyst for sustainable development, notably through the “IP for all” vision.
We underscore the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Development Agenda, which remains central to ensuring that the international IP system contributes meaningfully to development outcomes.
Mr. Chair
Over the course of the past year, IP ecosystem and innovation infrastructure of my country, including universities, scientists, laboratories, and SMEs, have been the target of indiscriminate, unlawful, and deliberate armed attacks. In this context, we look forward to WIPO, in line with its mandate, strengthening its support through tailored technical assistance and capacity-building programs, aimed at restoring capacities, safeguarding innovation systems, and enhancing resilience in affected sectors.
The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its strong commitment and determination to further strengthen cooperation with the Director General and Member States, with a view to advancing a more balanced and development-oriented international intellectual property system that delivers tangible benefits for all.
I thank you.