The opening ceremony was attended by about 750 delegates from 135 WIPO member states, observer states, inter-governmental organisations, and non-governmental organisations.

Representing ASEAN countries to deliver the bloc’s joint remarks, Ambassador Mai, head of Vietnam’s permanent mission to the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva, said that while responding to COVID-19 and promoting post-pandemic recovery, ASEAN countries have been prioritising digital transformation and innovation.

The diplomat also stressed Vietnam’s wish and belief that WIPO will continue making progress in enhancing the system of IP rules and ensuring balance between promoting innovation and implementing the WIPO development programme for the sake of all member states, including the right to equally access to COVID-19 vaccines at a reasonable price.