A groundbreaking collaboration with WIPO Academy and MIRCO
- A first for Africa, and Namibia, implemented by UNAM
- Namibian diplomats to receive short courses on IP practices
Windhoek – In consolidating its mandate and with a robust commitment to Human Resources Development, UNAM on 17 July 2024, co-signed a Letter of Intent with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Academy, and the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO) on behalf of the Republic of Namibia.
In partnership with MIRCO, UNAM is committed to developing comprehensive and dynamic academic and practical programmes. These programmes aim to equip diplomats and Foreign Service officials with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property (IP) in the context of international diplomacy and trade. The goal is to maximise the socio-economic benefits of efficient intellectual property practices in their Foreign Service functions and duties.
The training and academic programmes will be co-created with the WIPO Academy, enabling UNAM to start training diplomats and foreign service officials in Intellectual Property Rights Management and Diplomacy.
Present at the signing ceremony and co-signatories were Ambassador Julia Imene-Chanduru, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Namibia to the Swiss Federation, UN Office at Geneva, WTO and FAO; Mr. Sheriff Saadallah, the Executive Director of the WIPO Academy; and Prof. Dr. Kenneth Matengu, UNAM Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Dr. Kenneth Matengu shared that: “The Namibia School of Diplomatic Studies at UNAM, which aims to be the leading regional training centre in diplomacy and international relations, will shortly implement a series of short courses including intellectual property which will be open to diplomats and foreign service officials from Namibia and various other countries.”
Mr. Sherif Saadallah remarked: “The new agreement between the WIPO Academy, the Namibia School of Diplomatic Studies, and the University of Namibia will enable a new chapter of support in the area of intellectual property (IP) education, training, and skill-building. This initiative will equip Namibian diplomats and trade officials with knowledge pertaining to the linkages between IP and the global issues they handle in their day-to-day functions and duties.”
Ambassador Julia Imene-Chanduru highlighted that: “Knowledge in Intellectual Property (IP) has become a prerequisite for Foreign Service officials. As the country continues to foster innovation and creativity, IP cuts across sectors and trades, familiarity in IP is therefore of paramount importance.
“In Geneva for example, IP takes centre stage in negotiations at the World Trade Organisations (WTO), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), World Health Organisation (WTO), etc. We are delighted that our efforts have culminated into the signing of this Letter of Intent, and we hope for its timeous and full implementation.”
