Rwanda participated in the 67th series of meetings of the Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization, held in an extraordinary session in Geneva, which also marked the reappointment of Director General Daren Tang for a second mandate.

In its statement, Rwanda underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global economic challenges, including slower growth, trade disruptions, rising debt burdens, and widening technological divides. The intervention highlighted the critical role of intellectual property systems in enabling countries to protect innovation, attract investment, generate productive employment, and advance sustainable development.

The statement further emphasized the relevance of intellectual property for developing countries, particularly in facilitating access to tools, expertise, and partnerships necessary to participate effectively in the global knowledge economy. At the continental level, it pointed to the importance of empowering Africa’s rapidly growing youth population by enabling innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to transform ideas into viable enterprises and employment opportunities.

Rwanda also welcomed the reappointment of the Director General, noting that the renewed mandate reflects the confidence of Member States in a leadership that has worked to make intellectual property systems more practical, accessible, and development-oriented. The priorities outlined for the upcoming term were recognized as aligning with the evolving needs of Member States and the broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

The statement concluded by reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to continued constructive engagement within WIPO, in support of a global intellectual property system that delivers tangible value to all Member States and responds effectively to shared development priorities.