Sixty-Sixth Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States - Agenda Item 4: General Statements

Mister Chair,

The Holy See wishes to reiterate its appreciation for the work of the World Intellectual Property Organization, in particular amidst growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and weakened multilateralism.

WIPO’s balanced and effective intellectual property (IP) systems have stimulated innovation and creativity, facilitated the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise between and within countries, and contributed to the achievement of sustainable development models. WIPO’s registries for trademarks, industrial designs and patents have demonstrated remarkable reliability, usefulness and resilience for creators worldwide, experiencing continued growth in 2024[1]. The increased reliance on these registries and their proven effectiveness, which are based on terms and rules agreed upon by States, give a concrete example of how international cooperation can yield agreements that offer practical and accessible services for the benefit of all.

This commitment is further evidenced by the constructive negotiations and consensual adoption of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty last year, which reflects the willingness to fostering multilateral cooperation by seeking to streamline and simplify the global system for protecting designs.

Mister Chair,

Innovation is unfolding at an accelerated rate, driven by rapid, profound and pervasive technological change, as exemplified by the rise of Artificial Intelligence.

AI poses complex challenges to IP systems, pushing the boundaries of traditional IP frameworks and raising questions about authorship, inventorship, and the protection of human creativity. In this regard, the Holy See reiterates that “AI must function as a tool for the good of human beings, not to diminish them, not to replace them.”[2] As AI reshapes the very landscape of innovation, safeguarding the God-given human dignity becomes increasingly vital.

Mister Chair,

In times of war and violence, innovation and creativity can keep the essence of beauty alive, since “to beautify the world is to build peace.”[3] “Never before has it been more urgent than it is now for us to become peacemakers working for the common good, for what is good for all and not just for the few.”[4]

Thank you.