Minister Naadir Hassan’s message on the occasion of World Intellectual Property Day |26 April 2023

Minister Hassan

‘Let’s bridge the gap between women creators and men’

“On April 26 of each year, Seychelles together with other members of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) celebrates World Intellectual Property Day. This celebration accentuates the importance of innovation and creativity as tools for economic diversification, and aims to empower citizens by showcasing the significance of protecting their valuable innovations.

“This year, the chosen theme is ‘Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity’, which emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between women creators and men. We continue to recognise women as creative and talented go-getters who possess the will power to find solutions to many problems faced within their societies.

“Under this year’s theme, the Trade department together with the National IP Committee will be organising a series of activities to commemorate this day and to sensitise women and girls on their importance in today’s vast fields of innovation, and in those which are bound to be discovered with their increasing contributions.

“Furthermore, the government has already started the work to modernise our IP laws through the review of the Industrial Property Act 2014 and Copyright Act 2014 which is expected to be completed this year.

“I call upon everyone to make the most of these activities to broaden their knowledge about intellectual property, especially our women designers, artists, authors, photographers, song writers, business owners; your contributions are fundamental in the economic development of Seychelles!”

Press release from the Ministry of Finance, National Planning & Trade