Geneva: The State of Qatar participated in the 66th session of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), held in Geneva. The Qatari delegation was led by HE Dr. Hind bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva.

According to Qatar News Agency, Her Excellency emphasized Qatar's commitment to developing intellectual property systems in collaboration with WIPO, particularly through the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector. She acknowledged WIPO's role in fostering an effective and balanced international IP system that supports innovation, creativity, and sustainable development across member states.

Her Excellency announced that the next conference will take place in Doha on September 1-2, in collaboration with various WIPO divisions, under the sponsorship of Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Hamad Bin Khalifa University. This event stems from a memorandum of understanding between Qatar and WIPO and will feature high-level dignitaries from the organization and the region.

Moreover, Her Excellency highlighted Qatar's initiatives in alternative dispute resolution, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and enhancing education and capacity building. These efforts align with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to invest in human capital and transition toward a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.

Her Excellency also noted WIPO's support in formulating Qatar's national strategy, developing its institutional IP framework, and establishing a national intellectual property center. She mentioned Qatar's legislative progress, including its accession to the Madrid Protocol on May 3, 2024, which became effective on August 3, 2024, with Decree No. (59) of 2024 solidifying this commitment.

Additionally, Her Excellency indicated Qatar's intent to accede to the Nice Agreement concerning trademark classification. She reaffirmed Qatar's support for ongoing WIPO negotiations and efforts to incorporate Arabic into WIPO activities, especially within the Madrid Protocol system.

Concluding her address, Her Excellency praised WIPO's contributions to developing intellectual property frameworks and enhancing cooperation with member states amid rapid technological advancements. She expressed Qatar's support for statements by the Arab Group and the Asia Group on session topics.