Statement by H.E.Mr.Gennady Gatilov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Office in Geneva on the occasion of the Russian Language Day at WIPO

Dear Director General,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

Permit me to welcome all those who have come here today to celebrate Russian Language Day, which coincides with the birthday of Alexander Pushkin. Today is the 220th anniversary of the great poet, who became the first among outstanding Russian classical writers, to proclain through their talent the limitless potential of the Russian language: its imagery, beauty, power and richness.

I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Francis Gurry, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, for his statement and kind words on the occasion of Russian Language Day - one of the official languages of the United Nations, including WIPO. I am grateful for the opportunity to greet all our guests at this venue, which, thanks to the efforts of the WIPO Event Management Division, has now become the centerpiece of various diplomatic and cultural events in Geneva.

The Russian language is an integral part of a multifaceted world culture and civilization, as well as the language of the great Russian literature, recognized as such all over the world. It is encouraging that interest in the Russian language and the immensely rich Russian cultural heritage is constantly growing. Therefore is not surprising to see the desire of foreigners to read our classical literature in the original language.

The Russian language is a unique tool of international communication for almost 300 million people on our planet. In some countries it has the status of national language, in others – an official language or a language of inter-ethnic intercourse. The Russian language holds strong positions in international Geneva.

Russian-speaking applicants actively use international trademark and industrial design registration systems. The Russian Federation is well-integrated into the global systems of intellectual property rights protection. Russia is among the top five WIPO members, who are most frequently indicated in international applications filed under the Madrid system. And despite the fact that Russia joined the Hague system only recently, its indications in international applications are already surpassing those of many other members. We expect this trend to continue. The information we receive from potential applicants reveals that it is extremely important for stakeholders of innovation activities to be able to file their international applications in Russian. In this regard, we hope that the Russian language will soon become an official language of the Madrid and Hague systems, which will contribute to their geographical coverage as well as harmonious development.

Dear friends,

To honour Russian Language Day, we have decided to present the Russian word in its musical embodiment. After all, music is the universal language of humanity. Today you can appreciate and enjoy the unique style of the “Bis-Quit” band, winner of Russian and international music awards.