Latest news with #WorldIntellectualPropertyOrganization
Al Taghyeer
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Taghyeer
Appointment of Kamal Idris as Prime Minister of Sudan stirs contradictory reactions
Observers describe the appointment as void of required political legitimacy and apparently failing to secure broad consensus. Port Sudan: Altaghyeer The appointment of Dr. Kamal Idris as Prime Minister of Sudan on Monday has stirred intense debate among those who support him and a strong reaction among those who opposing his appointment, as he has been linked to controversial regimes, including Omar al-Bashir's, the December Revolution but equally with the current war period. Who is Kamal Idris? Idris graduated from the University of Khartoum's Faculty of Law. He holds a Ph.D. in International Law from the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. He served as Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 1997-2003. Throughout his career, he has held various distinguished positions, including member of the UN International Law Commission and spokesperson for the Group of Developing Countries. He is fluent in Arabic, English, and French, with knowledge of Spanish. Idris has received numerous awards and honors, including honorary doctorates from several universities worldwide. Contradiction and Criticism The newly appointed Prime Minister was described as a self-contradictory who seeks only his own interests. Critics pointed out that he was an uncommitted member of the Sudanese Communist Party and engaged in activities of its university students' offshoot 'the Democratic Front' and a member of the late Sudan military ruler Jaffar Nimeri's party 'the Sudanese Socialist Union' before aligning with the Islamic Front. He was a candidate in the 2010 Presidential Elections against al-Bashir with the support of Islamists, who wanted to make the elections plausible as a true democratic process. He appeared in a video clip during the latest revolution describing al-Bashir's regime as criminal and demanding it's resignation and recently appeared in a recording speech denouncing any debasing of the national army, saying such persons should be denied to assume any public posts. Challenges Ahead of the New Prime Minister The new Prime Minister Faces significant challenges, including managing the political and economic crisis, rebuilding state institutions, and achieving stability amidst the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. He also faces challenges of being accepted by the Sudanese masses, with many expressing their rejection of his appointment, citing corruption cases linked to his career. In 2006, he reportedly faked his birth date certificate, pushing his birth date from 1945 to 1954, to fit for staying at his job, leaping away from looming retirement age at the time. Reactions Some observers believe that Kamal Idris's chances of success might be greater than expected given his neutral stance and this step could potentially pave the way for a ceasefire. But others cited reservations. Nour al-Din Salah al-Din, a partisan leader, stated that the appointment lacks the required political legitimacy, emphasizing such a move needs broad consensus resulting from a Sudanese inclusive political process. Academic Adel Taha Suleiman believes that the question was not rejecting Kamal Idris' appointment but rather putting an end to the current raging war. Idris' appointment was backed by the Islamic movement leadership who wanted the war to continue therefore Idris will come and leave without solving the roots causes of the problem, he argued.
South China Morning Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
‘Asean's gateway' Singapore offers foreign tech start-ups unparalleled growth potential
Singapore, with its dynamic digital economy and supportive business environment, has become a magnet for foreign technology start-ups and also serves as a strategic gateway to the fast-expanding markets of Southeast Asia. The transformation of the city state and other countries among the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) bloc – which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam – was highlighted in the Global Innovation Index 2024, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. The latest edition of the index, which ranks the creativity of 133 of the world's economies and the top 100 science and technology clusters, reveals the rapid progress of various Asean member nations over the past decade in advancing their innovation ecosystems. It also makes special mention of Asean's close regional integration and, importantly, vital cooperation in the areas of science, technology, intellectual property, and facilitating the free flow of information and investment capital. Moreover, key metrics show that Asean's combined investment in research and development (R&D) reached US$54.9 billion in 2023, which is more than five times the US$10.6 billion recorded for 2002. This has helped to make the bloc a global leader in hi-tech exports – an area of trade which in Asean rose in value from US$303 billion in 2013 to US$598 billion in 2022. Many overseas tech companies realise that the bloc's many burgeoning strengths make it an ideal location for regional manufacturing centres, new markets, research partners, or simply a good base to establish a start-up.
Bloomberg
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Sudan Army Chief Names First Prime Minister Since War Erupted
Sudan's army chief named the country's first prime minister since the eruption of a brutal two-year civil war. The appointment of Kamil Idris, formerly a director-general of the World Intellectual Property Organization, was announced Monday in a statement from the military-backed Transitional Sovereignty Council.
Observer
30-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Young Omani inventors introduce environmentally friendly anti-fog wipe for glasses
In an era where environmental consciousness intertwines with innovation, a homegrown Omani company is taking the lead in tackling a common nuisance that plagues many: fogged-up lenses. Whether it's eyeglasses, diving goggles, camera lenses, or bathroom mirrors, the struggle against water vapour condensation is a daily frustration for countless individuals. Enter Nadera Company, a pioneering enterprise committed to providing a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly solution. Founded in 2022, the company was born from the keen observations of individuals wrestling with lens fogging, particularly in the humid climates of the Sultanate of Oman. Boutaina Boujrada, the Chief Operating Officer and Public Relations Lead at Nadera Company, recounts the challenge: 'Most of the products available on the market are either imported, expensive, toxic, or ineffective. We aimed to create a local, eco-friendly alternative that could truly meet our community's needs.' Young Omani inventors introduce environmentally friendly anti-fog wipe for glasses This visionary approach culminated in the development of a unique nanofiber cloth treated with a natural solution derived from coco-glucoside, which is itself extracted from potatoes. This innovative wipe, when used on optical surfaces, creates a protective layer that actively prevents water vapour from condensing for up to 24 hours. Remarkably, the wipes retain their effectiveness for approximately six months, making them a long-lasting solution for everyday fogging issues. The product has undergone rigorous testing in diverse environments—humid, dry, and high-temperature conditions—to ensure its efficacy across all climates found within Oman. Boutaina proudly states, 'The testing phase lasted over six months, and the results were astonishing. Our wipes have been validated by two different laboratories, and we are confident they outshine available commercial alternatives.' Young Omani inventors introduce environmentally friendly anti-fog wipe for glasses But what truly sets Nadera apart is its commitment to sustainability. The wipes are not only effective; they also emerge as a champion for environmental friendliness. Recognised for its innovation, Nadera Company received an international patent in 2023, officially registered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Nadera's journey began with a comprehensive survey conducted in 2022, which included insights from over 100 participants spanning various fields—photographers, drivers, students, and athletes. The findings were illuminating: over 70% of eyeglass wearers reported tackling fogging issues on a regular basis. This pivotal data highlighted the clear demand for a solution that not only addresses fogging but does so with integrity towards the planet. Young Omani inventors introduce environmentally friendly anti-fog wipe for glasses Nadera's wipes can now be found on shelves in local optical stores across Oman. Plans are underway for further distribution through online platforms and wholesale partners to reach an even wider audience. For those keen to try out the product, inquiries can be directed to their Instagram handle (@ The accolades for Nadera have already begun to roll in, with the company receiving the Injaz Oman Award for Best Sustainable Product in 2023. As they look towards the future, Boutaina reveals, 'We are currently developing two additional products, both of which are in the testing phase and set for launch in 2025.' This ambition reflects Nadera's commitment not only to innovation but also to establishing a robust environmental product line that can compete regionally and internationally. Young Omani inventors introduce environmentally friendly anti-fog wipe for glasses Beyond product development, Nadera Company is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation among Omani youth. The team actively engages in workshops and entrepreneurship programmes, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to turn ideas into successful ventures. 'Every innovative project starts by identifying a real problem within society. We provide insights into each step of the process, from market research to prototype testing, mentorship, and securing funding,' Boutaina explains. Looking ahead, Nadera envisions expanding its operations by establishing an integrated environmental factory in Oman. They aim to inspire and cultivate a new generation of environmental entrepreneurs, reinforcing the notion that sustainable business practices can yield both economic and social benefits. Young Omani inventors introduce environmentally friendly anti-fog wipe for glasses In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, Nadera Company stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how innovative thinking combined with a commitment to the environment can lead to effective solutions for everyday challenges. By putting local needs first and embracing an eco-friendly philosophy, Nadera is not just clearing fogged lenses; it's paving the way for a clearer, more sustainable future.
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Culture ministry plans to set up 'cells' to educate new artists on IP registration
New Delhi, The culture ministry is planning to set up dedicated "cells" in its centres, academies and other constituent units, to educate new artists about Intellectual Property Rights and to facilitate and handhold them in going for "IP registration", its secretary said on Tuesday. Intellectual property or IP refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols, names and images used in commerce, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization website. Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, in his address at an event here, also said the ministry is attempting to have "GI registration" of traditional instruments across regions. He was speaking at the event 'IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP', hosted by FICCI, with noted lyricist Javed Akhtar present on the dais. In his address, the culture secretary also mentioned that he had met filmmaker Shekhar Kapur earlier in the day at the Ministry of Culture. He told the gathering, consisting of experts from music, legal and other domains, that another aspect of his ministry is working on is to "support IP registration". "We are planning that in the information facilities, in various infrastructure that the Ministry of Culture has in various zones, our cultural centres, our Kalagrams, our academies, we create cells to educate and to do handholding of new artists to go for IP registration," Aggarwal said. "So, whatever information or handholding or liaisoning they require, from registry authorities, we will organise workshops to inform and support, and do it especially in regional languages, because sometimes, artists practising in such languages won't have access to those resources," he said. Some of the prominent academies under the purview of the ministry are Lalit Kala Akademi, Sahitya Akademi and Sangeet Natak Akademi. The secretary said his ministry projects the work of artists and endeavours so that their work has "access to market" "Also, we are in discussion, we hope to sign MoUs with major digital platforms, so that art forms and music which is not currently commercialised, we bring them onboard and get them market access," he said. The ministry is also looking at festivals having music as a theme, regionally and nationally, Aggarwal said. "Another step that the ministry is taking, to have GI registration of traditional instruments, every region will have," he said. The secretary asserted that as a ministry, "We are looking at promoting a strong public private partnership, to have partnership with the corporate, various market players, and also with state governments, so that when we work on initiatives, we have a larger stakeholder base, and that stakeholder base can create an environment that is more sustainable, including IP protection".
