Today, Mr. Daren Tang has been appointed as WIPO next Director General by the General Assembly, following his nomination by the Coordination Committee in March 2020. The six-year term will begin on 1 October 2020.

Mr. Tang will be the fifth WIPO Director General, following Mr. Gurry of Australia (2008-2020), Mr. Kamil Idris of Sudan (1997-2008), Mr. Arpad Bogsch of the United States (1973-1997) and Mr. Georg Bodenhausen of the Netherlands (1970-1973).

In this occasion, Mr. Tang has released his first statement as next WIPO Director General: “I sincerely thank all Member States for their support and confidence in entrusting me with this immense responsibility in these unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused untold misery and brought the world to a standstill, but has also reminded us of our common humanity. More than ever, the WIPO community needs to unite to support our inventors, innovators and creators, all of whom are playing critical roles in helping us overcome this grave pandemic, whether it is in finding a cure for the virus, allowing us to stay connected through technology, or lifting our spirits during this challenging period. I look forward to working with the Member States and staff of WIPO, as well as the many stakeholders in the global IP community, to build our future IP ecosystem – one that is balanced, inclusive and vibrant. I send my heartfelt wishes to one and all that they and their loved ones remain safe and healthy until we meet again."

ECTA wishes Mr. Tang every success in this new position and looks forward to continuing the very fruitful and successful cooperation between the WIPO and ECTA in the years to come.

To know more about Mr. Tang’s appointment as WIPO next Director General, please read the WIPO press release.