III THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK FEATURE | I am honoured to extend my support and enthusiasm to the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) as we celebrate Intellectual Property Week 2024, focusing on the theme, “Intellectual Property and the Sustainable Development Goals”. This year’s theme underscores the crucial intersection between intellectual property and the pursuit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. As we navigate the challenges of our time, it is imperative that we harness the power of innovation, creativity, and intellectual property rights to address pressing issues and pave the way for a more sustainable future. In particular, SDG 9 to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation serves as a cornerstone for leveraging intellectual property as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Nurturing and growing industries such as the cultural and creative industries, sports and their diverse ecosystems are extremely important for the economic development and cultural identity of Jamaica. This requires a deliberate effort to drive these industries, which are two of the fastest growing areas of economic activity in the world; and with the global push towards improved technology and artificial intelligence, there is an increased need to protect our intellectual property rights in order to ensure that we reap the benefits of our ingenuity. As a nation with a rich cultural heritage and a legacy of creativity, Jamaica stands to benefit immensely from a robust intellectual property mechanism. However, it is essential that we ensure equitable access to intellectual property rights, especially for marginalised communities and grassroots innovators. JIPO’s efforts in this regard are commendable, and I urge continued dedication to promoting inclusivity and accessibility within the intellectual property landscape. I extend my appreciation to JIPO for spearheading this important initiative and for its unwavering commitment to advancing intellectual property awareness and protection in Jamaica. May Intellectual Property Week 2024 inspire us all to harness the transformative power of innovation for the betterment of our nation and the global community. MARK J. GOLDING, MP Leader of the Opposition May we be inspired to harness the transformative power of innovation MESSAGES As a nation with a rich cultural heritage and a legacy of creativity, Jamaica stands to benefit immensely from a robust intellectual property mechanism. However, it is essential that we ensure equitable access to intellectual property rights, especially for marginalised communities and grassroots innovators.
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