The Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, commenced an official visit to Geneva, Switzerland on Monday, where she will participate from July 6 to 9 in the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This participation offers a fresh opportunity for Algeria to consolidate its presence within major international bodies addressing issues tied to intellectual property, cultural heritage protection, and the expansion of cultural and creative industries.
This major international gathering will bring together ministers, senior government officials, and policymakers from numerous nations to examine current issues and future prospects for intellectual property within a context shaped by profound technological, economic, and cultural shifts. Discussions will notably focus on the protection of intellectual property rights, the promotion of tangible and intangible heritage, the preservation of traditional knowledge, the advancement of cultural and creative industries, and the promotion of an economy driven by knowledge and innovation.
Through this engagement, Algeria intends to reaffirm its commitment to protecting its national heritage in all its forms and to highlight the efforts made by public authorities to preserve, promote, and value a cultural legacy of exceptional richness.
The Algerian delegation will thus showcase the various policies implemented to ensure the safeguarding of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, protecting traditional expertise, popular cultural expressions, and national identity symbols. This approach is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at establishing Algerias legitimate rights over its cultural heritage while anchoring its position within the international intellectual property framework.
The Algerian participation carries a distinct dimension this year. Indeed, Algeria has been selected among a restricted number of countries to host a national pavilion within the framework of official events organized on the sidelines of the WIPOs General Assembly opening ceremony. This distinction reflects the growing recognition Algeria enjoys on the international stage and bears witness to the interest generated by the richness of its historical, cultural, and foundational heritage.
Designed according to an integrated strategic vision, this national pavilion highlights the authenticity of the Algerian identity as well as the diversity of its tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It also displays the multiple artistic and creative expressions that characterize the country, offering visitors a modern image of Algeria—one that is faithful to its roots while remaining resolutely forward-looking.
Through this cultural showcase, authorities intend to promote national creative potential, enhance Algerias cultural influence, and publicize the richness of its traditions, craftsmanship, ancestral knowledge, and contemporary creations to an international audience composed of state representatives, international organizations, and specialized experts.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly sessions, the Minister of Culture and Arts will also hold a series of bilateral meetings with several ministers, high-ranking officials, and representatives of international organizations. These talks will cover cooperation prospects in the fields of cultural heritage protection, intellectual property, the valorization of traditional knowledge, and the development of cultural and creative industries.
These meetings are also expected to explore new partnership opportunities, foster the exchange of expertise, and strengthen international cooperation mechanisms in sectors that have become strategic for cultural and economic development.
By participating actively in the work of the World Intellectual Property Organization, Algeria confirms its determination to defend its heritage interests, promote its cultural identity, and contribute to international reflections on the challenges of intellectual property in a constantly evolving world. Furthermore, it reaffirms its ambition to turn its cultural heritage, creativity, and intangible capital into levers for international influence and sustainable development.