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Maximizing impact: Strategic Planning for Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

April 10, 2025

What makes technical assistance truly effective and long-lasting? This question
—not only at the heart of WIPO’s work, but also one that resonates deeply with international organizations and Member States—was addressed during our webinar on April 3, 2025.

webinar-on-technical-assistance-and-capacity-building
(Image: WIPO)

The 2025 edition of the WIPO Technical Assistance Webinar Series kicked off on April 3 with its first session, held in a hybrid format under the Development Agenda framework.  The event brought together over 350 participants from more than 50 countries.  Titled “Maximizing Impact: Strategic Planning for Technical Assistance and Capacity Building”, the webinar focused on how strategic planning can enhance the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of technical assistance in the field of intellectual property (IP).

The session was moderated by Mr. Georges Ghandour, Senior Counsellor of WIPO’s Development Agenda Coordination Division, who emphasized WIPO’s commitment to delivering responsive and forward-looking technical assistance and capacity-building support to its Member States.

Ms. Flor de María García Díaz, Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the WTO, UNCTAD, and WIPO, opened the discussions with a presentation on the role of strategic planning in enhancing technical assistance and capacity-building.  She emphasized the need for clear goals, structured frameworks, and stakeholder participation.  Drawing from experience, she highlighted the benefits of using SMART objectives and strong performance indicators. She also shared national and regional examples, including both challenges and success stories, underscoring that planning is essential for sustainable development outcomes.

Mr. Phengthong Chememalay, Director of the General Affairs Division in the Department of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, focused on the national context, presenting how their development plans guide technical assistance projects.  He detailed the alignment of IP development strategies with broader socio-economic goals, stressing the importance of monitoring mechanisms and outcome-based project design.  Likewise, he showcased successful initiatives, such as the “One IP, One Product” program, and underlined the importance of matching partner support to national needs.

Afterward, Dr. Ana Persic, Programme Specialist for Science Technology and Innovation Policies and Open Science at UNESCO, provided an overview of UNESCO’s work in science, technology and innovation (STI) policy development, stressing how strategic planning supports countries in aligning STI governance with the Sustainable Development Goals.  She shared examples of inclusive programs that strengthen local capacities, such as the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science initiative and underscored the importance of policy ownership for lasting impact.

Ms. Altayework Tedla Desta, Director of the IP eLearning and Internal Training Program in the WIPO Academy, closed the panel with insights into WIPO Academy’s strategic approach to IP training.  She presented a phased capacity-building framework that evolves from awareness-raising to advanced, industry-specific knowledge.  Her presentation highlighted the value of customization, cross-sector engagement, and data-driven planning in designing impactful educational programs.

In summary, the webinar focused on the following:

  • Strategic planning is essential for ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of technical assistance, as it enables the definition of clear goals, measurable objectives, and appropriate performance indicators;
  • Aligning technical assistance with national development priorities and local contexts enhances relevance and increases the impact of capacity-building initiatives;
  • Stakeholder engagement, participatory planning, and inclusive governance frameworks are key to fostering ownership, adaptability, and long-term success; and
  • Incorporating digital tools, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and using evidence-based approaches are critical to enhancing coordination, knowledge sharing, and the overall quality of technical assistance delivery.

The event is part of an ongoing series organized by WIPO, following a decision by the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP).

The full session is available in English, French, and Spanish. The next session, titled “Quantifying Impact: Strategies for Monitoring and Evaluating Technical Assistance and Capacity Building,” is scheduled for later this year.

Stay tuned!

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