Diplomats to be trained on intellectual property

Namibians diplomats will undergo intellectual property (IP) education to improve essential skills in the context of international diplomacy and trade.

The University of Namibia (Unam) has partnered with the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (Wipo) Academy to develop comprehensive academic and practical programmes.

This comes after the university last month co-signed a letter of intent with the Wipo Academy and the ministry, Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho told The Namibian yesterday.

He said Unam, in partnership with the ministry, 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 IP in the context of international diplomacy and trade,” Namesho said.

The goal is to maximise the socio-economic benefits of efficient IP practices in their foreign service functions and duties, Namesho added.

“The training and academic programmes will be co-created with the Wipo Academy, enabling Unam to start training diplomats and foreign service officials in IP rights management and diplomacy,” Namesho added.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu said the university’s Namibia School of Diplomatic Studies aims to be the leading regional training centre in diplomacy and international relations.

“The school will shortly implement a series of short courses, including IP, which will be open to diplomats and foreign service officials from Namibia and various other countries,” Matengu said.

Speaking at the same event, Wipo Academy executive director Sherif Saadallah said the agreement between the Wipo Academy, the Namibia School of Diplomatic Studies and Unam will enable a new chapter of support in the area of 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,” Saadallah said.

Namibian ambassador and permanent representative to the Swiss Federation Julia Imene-Chanduru said knowledge in 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,” Imene-Chanduru said.

“In Geneva, for example, IP takes centre stage in negotiations at the World Trade Organisation, International Telecommunication Union, World Health Organisation, etc.

“We are delighted that our efforts have culminated in the signing of this letter of intent and we hope for its timeous and full implementation,” she added.