WIPO Director General Pledges Support to Strengthen Innovation Ecosystem in Guatemala

By Mayora IP

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director General Daren Tang concluded a three-day official visit to Guatemala during October, 2024, where he met senior officials and other stakeholders for talks on strengthening the country's innovation system. 

Mr. Tang pledged WIPO's support to implement projects that empower indigenous communities, women and youth — recognizing their critical role in preserving cultural heritage and driving innovation. They underscored the importance of protecting the traditional knowledge and creative expressions of Guatemala’s Indigenous Peoples through diverse means, including IP rights.

In particular, he said projects would be designed to generate tangible impact for Indigenous Peoples — such as textile weavers, artisans, traditional medicine practitioners and community-led tourism ventures. The focus will be on leveraging IP for sustainable development, social inclusion and economic growth.

One of the key priorities will be to collaborate with the tourism sector to empower women in traditional weaving communities, ensuring their skills and cultural heritage are not only preserved but also serve as engines for economic empowerment and sustainable tourism.