A cultural event was held in the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland, to promote the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan. The event called “Cultural Convergence: Unity in Diversity” was organized by Intellectual Property Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan in cooperation with Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN Office in Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland. The countries belonging to Regional Group of the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Eastern Europe (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic) presented samples of national cultural heritage.

At the event, Intellectual Property Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan from separate corner presented geographical indications belonging to our nation, detailed information on carpet, pottery, dolma and pakhlava included in the Representative List of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as national cultural heritage expressions. Video clips about Azerbaijan were demonstrated at the special screen installed in the corner also souvenirs about Azerbaijan were presented to participants.

WIPO Director-General Francis Gurry, speaking at the opening of the event, highlighted the importance of promoting the national cultural heritage to the broad public, highlighting the special role of modern technology and intellectual property in the development of society and the state.

Deputy Minister of Justice of Kazakhstan Natalia Pan made a speech as coordinator of regional group.

After opening of event, samples of national cuisine presented to participants. Participants highly appreciated delicious blessings of Azerbaijani cuisine such as dolma, lula-kabab, pakhlava etc.

Chairman of the Board of Intellectual Property Agency Mr. Kamran Imanov, who shared his views at the event, noted that great attention is paid to the field of protection of intellectual property in Azerbaijan. As result of efforts of head of State Mr. Ilham Aliyev intellectual property field is being developed, Azerbaijan participates at International Agreements, as result of institutional changes in our country Intellectual Property Agency was established.

Drawing attention to the point that the national cultural heritage patterns of the country having geographical source somehow national trademarks, Kamran Imanov underlined that the carpet, pottery and culinary samples presented in the Azerbaijani corner are of great value and strength. On the one hand, they are as a modern geographical indicator and, on the other hand, are included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage – list of world pearls. In this cultural event, Azerbaijan is the only country that participates in a unique format. At the same time First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva made serious efforts in inclusion of Azerbaijani Geographical Indications in those pearls list.

26.09.2018