Upega tafailagi o le Malo Tuto'atasi o Samoa — An official Government of Samoa website
Government of Samoa crest
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour
Matagaluega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia ma Leipa

Samoa Strengthens Global IP Leadership at WIPO Assemblies 2026

Published 8 July 2026

The Honourable Fata Ryan Schuster is leading Samoa's delegation at the 68th WIPO General Assemblies in Geneva, advancing priorities on traditional knowledge, cultural expressions and the protection of Samoa's Tatau.

Samoa's delegation to the 68th WIPO Assemblies stands before the WIPO backdrop in Geneva dressed in formal Samoan attire.

Geneva, Switzerland, 7 July 2026 — The Honourable Fata Ryan Schuster is leading Samoa's delegation at the 68th WIPO General Assemblies in Geneva (7–15 July), which opened today, Tuesday 7 July. The delegation includes Chief Executive Officer Fepulea'i Roger Toleafoa, Ambassador Toleafoa Nella Levy, Deputy Registrar Houlton Faasau, and Principal IP Officer Marqureta Levi.

Members of Samoa's delegation seated at the Samoa desk during the 68th WIPO Assemblies in Geneva.

At the WIPO Ministerial Dialogue in Lausanne on Monday 6 July, the Honourable Schuster highlighted the powerful role of sport as a driver of innovation, economic development, and social resilience. He stated that "innovation and creativity are key drivers of building enduring bridges to connect our world today... Not one country can do it alone."

The Honourable Fata Ryan Schuster stands before the WIPO 68th Series of Meetings backdrop in Geneva.

In delivering Samoa's general statement today, the Honourable Schuster stressed that Samoa's cultural heritage is "collectively held... grounded in fa'a Samoa and faith in God," urging progress toward an international legal instrument on traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs).

Samoa's delegation seated behind the Samoa nameplate in the WIPO assembly hall in Geneva.

The Honourable Schuster reaffirmed Samoa's priorities:

  • Protecting traditional knowledge and cultural expressions
  • Advancing the work to protect Samoa's Tatau
  • Strengthening IP systems and digital transformation
  • Leveraging WIPO Green for climate resilience
  • Supporting community-driven innovation and youth creativity

The Samoan delegation will continue engagements over the next two weeks, participating in plenary discussions, bilateral meetings, and technical sessions to strengthen Samoa's IP systems, cultural protection frameworks, and innovation pathways.

Share:
Back to all news