WIPO Director General Francis Gurry opened the WIPO Assemblies presenting a Retrospective of the work accomplished by the Organization during his two terms from 2008 to 2020.

In particular, he highlighted the adherence to WIPO-administered treaties with more than 400 new accessions, mainly from developing and least developed countries. The Beijing and Marrakesh Treaties had been concluded and entered into force during his tenure. WIPO also embraced the digital transformation: all procedures have been digitized, contributing to the WIPO smooth transition to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WIPO global IP systems have grown and supported the spread of innovation across the globe and, thanks to the financial surpluses, the Organization has been able to be debt-free while building its net assets.

In addition, development-related activities have been mainstreamed as the Development Agenda advanced from recommendations to concrete implementation in numerous areas. WIPO has also added IT platforms, databases and services economic analysis, the Global Innovation Index, as well as statistical and data analytics.

During his intervention, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry also welcomed to the Assemblies meetings Mr Daren Tang, who officially assumes his duties as new WIPO Director General on 1 October 2020.

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ECTA would like to thank Mr Francis Gurry most sincerely for his exceptional contribution and special service as WIPO Director General, as well as for the successful cooperation developed between WIPO and ECTA over these years. We also wish Mr Daren Tang, Director General-elect, every success in his new position and look forward to continuing the very fruitful and close relationship in the years to come.

Via its WIPO-Link Committee, ECTA is active in monitoring and contributing to the relevant work of WIPO. This is done by regularly attending Bilateral meetings and other meetings at WIPO, participating in working groups, consultations, events, discussions, submitting position papers to WIPO on key areas of interest to ECTA members, and other appropriate means.