The Emirates Publishers Association secures observer status at WIPO, advancing the UAE’s role in shaping global intellectual property and publishing policies.
The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) has recently achieved observer status at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), as announced during the 66th General Assembly in Geneva.
This recognition affords the EPA a significant role in WIPO’s member assemblies and committees, enabling active participation in discussions shaping global intellectual property (IP) policies impacting publishing and creative industries.
Enhanced Influence on Intellectual Property Policies
Observer status allows the EPA to engage in multiple facets of WIPO’s activities, from member state meetings to subsidiary bodies addressing IP rights. This positions the association to directly influence the development of copyright laws and policies, ensuring the interests of Arab publishers and creators are represented on a global stage.
Statements from EPA Leadership
Bodour Al Qasimi hailed the milestone as transformative for regional publishing, not just the UAE. “Joining WIPO as an Observer marks a turning point for the Emirates Publishers Association and for Arab publishing as a whole.”
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, reinforced the wider perspective, noting the status strengthens copyright protection frameworks and expands collaboration opportunities. “We are committed to amplifying the UAE’s voice on all issues related to publishing and intellectual property rights, contributing to the development of these frameworks both regionally and globally.”
A Milestone in the UAE’s Publishing Evolution
With over 360 member publishing houses within the UAE, the EPA is pivotal in advancing the profession and promoting literacy domestically and regionally.
This new WIPO engagement coincides with EPA’s ongoing initiatives to refine local publishing regulations and enhance protections for creative content.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
