Geneva, Switzerland,
On Wednesday, 9 July 2025, Deputy Minister of Justice, Madam Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, delivered a strong statement of support for inclusive and transformative intellectual property (IP) systems at the ongoing Sixty-Sixth Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva.
Addressing global delegates, Madam Saccoh emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to multilateralism, innovation, and the protection of traditional knowledge, while aligning with the broader African Group’s position delivered by Namibia.
“We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf of the African Group,” she said, opening her remarks. She congratulated the Chair of the Assembly on his reappointment, and commended Director General, Daren Tang, for WIPO’s achievements under his leadership, particularly in supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The Deputy Minister welcomed WIPO’s landmark achievements in 2024, including the successful conclusion of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge and the Design Law Treaty. Describing these as “historic milestones,” Madam Saccoh affirmed Sierra Leone’s intention to sign and implement both treaties.
“These outcomes — secured through consensus at a time of global uncertainty ,are a testament to the value and resilience of multilateralism,” she said. “We see these instruments as crucial tools for protecting traditional knowledge, enhancing biodiversity governance, and stimulating our design and creative sectors.”
Sierra Leone’s statement highlighted WIPO’s growing focus on inclusivity, impact, and local relevance — particularly through development-oriented initiatives. The Deputy Minister welcomed the proposed Development Acceleration Fund, describing it as a timely instrument to scale technical assistance to LDCs and small economies.
“We applaud WIPO’s efforts to bring intellectual property closer to the lives of grassroots innovators and creators,” Madam Saccoh said. “The emphasis on women entrepreneurs, traditional product value chains, and customized support is particularly encouraging.”
She also recognized the launch of the Patent and Technology Law Toolkit for LDCs, which is designed to help countries like Sierra Leone navigate the complexities of IP law, while aligning with national development priorities.
Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s vision, the Deputy Minister noted the country’s drive to build a dynamic, inclusive IP ecosystem as a catalyst for job creation, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic transformation. She emphasized that the country is prioritizing youths, women, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and indigenous knowledge holders.
“We continue to see IP as a powerful enabler of opportunity and prosperity,” she noted, pledging Sierra Leone’s intent to leverage WIPO’s evolving tools, including diagnostic platforms for SMEs and capacity-building programs tailored to local needs.
In her closing remarks, Madam Saccoh reiterated Sierra Leone’s unwavering support for WIPO’s transformation agenda and inclusive vision. She urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure the global IP system delivers tangible benefits across regions and sectors.
“We remain committed to working constructively with WIPO, Member States, and all partners to ensure that the global IP system delivers real value for all countries and communities,” she concluded.
WIPO’s Assemblies bring together delegates from 193 member states to discuss governance, strategic direction, and policy evolution within the global IP system. This year’s meeting comes at a pivotal moment as countries navigate the intersection of intellectual property, development, innovation, and sustainability in a post-pandemic world.
Sierra Leone’s active participation underscores its growing engagement in international legal frameworks, and its recognition of intellectual property as a key enabler of national transformation.
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Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché | Geneva, Switzerland