Emirates Publishers Association Secures Observer Status At WIPO’s 66th General Assembly Meetings

The Emirates Publishers Association has been granted observer status by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) during its 66th General Assembly in Geneva. This recognition allows the association to engage in WIPO's member state assemblies and unions, contributing to discussions on publishing and intellectual property rights.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, expressed her thoughts on this achievement: "Joining WIPO as an Observer marks a turning point for the Emirates Publishers Association and for Arab publishing as a whole. It ensures that the voices of our publishers and creators are heard in the global conversations on intellectual property, and it reinforces our commitment to protecting creative rights while promoting access, innovation, and cultural diversity."

With observer status, the association can now participate in relevant committees, working groups, and subsidiary bodies. This involvement enables them to actively contribute to global policy development related to publishing. The move is seen as a significant step towards expanding their influence internationally.

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, highlighted that this status will bolster copyright protection efforts. He stated, "We are committed to amplifying the UAE’s voice on all issues related to the publishing industry and intellectual property rights, contributing to the development of these frameworks both regionally and globally, with a focus on fostering the future of creativity and content production."

This milestone aligns with ongoing efforts by the association to refine publishing frameworks within the UAE. They aim to enhance governing laws and broaden legal protections for creative content. These initiatives are crucial for supporting local publishers in expanding their collaboration opportunities.

The association's membership includes over 360 UAE-based publishing houses. Their mission is to advance the profession by promoting reading culture and supporting literacy initiatives. By doing so, they aim to broaden access to knowledge across communities.

Future Prospects for Creativity

Joining WIPO represents an important step towards ensuring a sustainable future for creativity in both the UAE and the Arab world. The association's active participation in global discussions will help shape policies that support innovation and cultural diversity.

This achievement underscores their commitment to advocating for the publishing sector locally and regionally. By engaging with international bodies like WIPO, they aim to strengthen their role in shaping a vibrant future for content production.

With inputs from WAM