l’Algérie élue présidente du Comité artistique de la propriété intellectuelle

Algeria Elected President of the Arab League’s Intellectual Property Artistic Committee

Context and Election Details

Algeria has been unanimously elected to preside over the Artistic Committee of Intellectual Property at the Arab League during its 14th meeting, held in Cairo. This decision was made public in a statement from the Algerian Ministry of Culture and the Arts. The ministry highlighted this election as the culmination of concerted efforts to bolster the culture of copyright protection and enhance Algeria’s footprint in regional and international forums related to intellectual property.

This election aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s objectives of leveraging intellectual property as a significant tool for national economic support and fostering a knowledge-based development strategy. The initiative forms part of a broader vision aimed at building a diversified and sustainable economy.

Leadership and Voting Outcome

Samir Thaalbi, the current Director-General of the National Office of Copyright and Related Rights (ONDA), has been elected for a two-year term, which can be renewed once. He received significant backing from member states, outpacing candidates from Egypt, Morocco, and Mauritania.

This outcome represents not only an achievement for Algeria but also a "diplomatic and cultural victory," demonstrating the member states’ trust in Algeria’s institutional competency and its proactive stance on intellectual property protection.

Reform and Recognition

The Ministry of Culture and the Arts underscored that this "well-deserved" recognition stems from a comprehensive reform process Algeria has undergone in this domain. Such reforms are backed by a national strategy focusing on institutional coordination, good governance, and modern technological applications to enhance the management mechanisms of collective copyright rights.

The election of Algeria signals its growing role in the Arab and global intellectual property landscape, affirming the trust of its peers in the Algerian vision that continues to champion culture as a catalyst for development, a cornerstone of soft power, and a means to promote creative exchanges and integration among Arab nations.

Continued Discussions

The discussions within the 14th meeting of the Arab League’s Artistic Committee on Intellectual Property are set to continue. Cairo, which is hosting the committee, serves as the headquarters for the Arab League’s Secretariat.

In summary, Algeria’s election to lead the Artistic Committee of Intellectual Property under the Arab League marks a significant achievement in promoting and protecting cultural rights in the region. It highlights the nation’s efforts towards structural reforms in intellectual property management and reaffirms its commitment to utilizing culture as a driver for economic development and integration among Arab countries.