BIP SXM attended WIPO’s 66th Assemblies in Geneva together with the Dutch delegation
From July 8 to 17, 2025, the Sixty-Sixth Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) took place in Geneva, Switzerland. The Director of the Bureau for Intellectual Property Sint Maarten (BIP SXM), Mrs. Vincentia Rosen-Sandiford, attended the meetings alongside colleagues from the Netherlands and Curaçao: Hugues Derème, Paul van Beukering, Maja Schmitt, Saskia Jurna, Gedeona Maduro and Martina Everts-Anthony.
The Assemblies brought together delegates from around the world for high-level meetings, bilateral discussions and cultural exchange. Countries such as Albania, China, Grenada, Indonesia, Oman, and Peru showcased their culture and IP initiatives in dedicated booths.
Special moments included:
- Cultural expressions in line with this year’s World IP theme "IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP", with performances from several nations, including a lively Soca presentation by Grenada in honor of its 50th Independence anniversary.
- The 4th WIPO Global Awards, recognizing creators and innovators in health, environment, technology, creative industries and agrifood.
- The inaugural meeting of Heads of IP Offices, which addressed shared challenges in finance, IT, artificial intelligence, human resources and IP awareness.
Reflecting on the event, Director Rosen-Sandiford observed that many challenges faced by smaller countries are also shared by larger ones, reinforcing the value of international collaboration. She also highlighted the important role IP offices play in bridging the gap between public and private sectors, shaping policies, drafting laws and driving economic growth.
The Assemblies concluded on a celebratory note with the sound of a miniature steel pan, donated by the Trinidadian IP Office. A symbolic moment of Caribbean representation on a global stage.
BIP SXM looks forward to continuing to strengthen partnerships within the Kingdom and internationally, with the aim of advancing IP rights and encouraging their use by entrepreneurs in Sint Maarten.
