Opening Statement - Sixty-Fourth Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO

Sixty-Fourth Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO

(Geneva, 6 – 14 July 2023)

Agenda Item 5

General/Opening Statement

Chair, Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Spain is honoured to take the floor on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

1. Chair, we would like to thank you for your excellent work throughout these challenging times and assure you of our complete trust in your leadership abilities and constructive approach. We would also like to thank the WIPO Secretariat for all its preparatory work.
2. The EU and its Member States welcome the WIPO Secretariat’s report on assistance and support for Ukraine’s innovation and creativity sector and intellectual property system, on the basis of the decision taken at the last General Assemblies. The report provides objective evidence of the significant negative impact of the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine on the Ukrainian IP ecosystem, as well as on Ukraine’s innovative and creative sectors. We strongly acknowledge the need for WIPO’s continued engagement in supporting efforts to rebuild the Ukrainian Intellectual Property infrastructure and capacity.
3. We continue to condemn the Russian Federation’s unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine, which is a gross violation of international law. And, no different to other UN organizations, international law is the very basis of this organization. This war is a significant obstacle, both to the work of WIPO, and to all that WIPO and its Member States collectively stand for. On behalf of the European Union and its Member States, we reiterate our continuous support and solidarity with Ukraine and with the Ukrainian people.
4. We are convinced that strong and balanced IP systems can and should contribute to global economic recovery. We continue to support WIPO in reaching out to business in an effort to ensure a swift economic upturn. Inspired by the Sustainable Development Goalswe suggest focusing particularly on the green and digital transitions, building on balanced and forward-looking IP ecosystems. The question of sustainability and continuing discussions on IP and artificial intelligence remain high priorities for the EU.
5. WIPO’s outlined holistic vision and strategic approach to global innovation and creativity, supported by a balanced and effective system of IPR, includes proposals to reach out to and empower every member of society, in an inclusive and undifferentiated manner. We are encouraged by focusing on concrete results supported by WIPO’s horizontal and targeted measures and programs, for individuals and SMEs in particular.
6. Turning to the normative work of WIPO, we reiterate our commitment to progressing towards the conclusion of a meaningful Broadcasting Organisations Treaty that would take into account technological developments. As regards patents, we continue to believe that the SCP should serve inter alia as a forum for discussions about the differences between existing patent law systems, as well as the harmonisation of substantive patent law in the future.
7. We are encouraged by seeing the work progress in different committees and thank other delegations for their continuous engagement and for consensus reached.
8. In conclusion, let me assure you we remain committed to engaging constructively in all discussions during these WIPO Assemblies. We look forward to having a productive session under your able guidance.

Thank you.