In the framework of the 64th series of meetings of the WIPO Assemblies, Ukraine stressed that this decision would prevent russia's actions aimed at justifying and supporting its military aggression.
The 64th series of meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO continues in Switzerland. During the discussion of the report on the work of the Programme and Budget Committee and WIPO budgeting for 2024/2025 biennium, the reduction of funding for the WIPO External Office in Moscow was one of the most discussed issue. In particular, CHF 160,000 reduced the non-personnel budget for the WIPO External Office in the russian federation (80% reduction).
The Ukrainian delegation supported the proposal of the United States and made its own statement:
"russia's aggressive war against Ukraine continues to inflict deep damage and destroy the Ukrainian nation, its cultural heritage, intellectual and creative potential. The internationally wrongful acts committed by the russian federation undoubtedly affect the dissemination of WIPO's knowledge and projects, as well as the utilization of the outcomes of the External Office's activities. We call for an immediate reduction of funding for projects in the russian federation, including funding for the External Office in Moscow," said Bogdan Paduchak, The First Deputy Director of the IP Office.
Representatives of the delegations of the United Kingdom, the United States, Poland, Lithuania, Germany, Latvia, Estonia, and the Czech Republic spoke in support of the proposal.
At the same time, Ukraine emphasized that the funding cuts are interim and urgent measure. However, in the future, our country will insist on the complete closure of the office in Moscow:
"The only viable way to restore justice can only be achieved through the complete closure of the External Office in Moscow. This decision will not only allow to better direct WIPO funding towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, but also prevent russia's actions aimed at justifying and supporting its military aggression through WIPO resources, the TISCs network and global IP services," emphasized Olena Orliuk, The Director of the Ukrainian IP Office.
