Mr Daren Tang is nominated to lead WIPO for another six years, continuing efforts to strengthen the global intellectual property ecosystem.
SINGAPORE — The Singapore Government has announced its nomination of Mr Daren Tang for a second term as Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for the period from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2032.
WIPO is a United Nations specialised agency responsible for advancing the global intellectual property (IP) which provides services that enable creators, innovators and entrepreneurs to protect and promote their IP across borders, while also providing cutting-edge IP issues and drives impact-driven technical assistance projects.
Mr Tang, who is the first Singaporean to lead a major UN specialised agency, has served as WIPO Director General since October 2020. Mr Tang has steered WIPO with a new strategy of demystifying IP to laypersons, positioning WIPO as the global forum for discussing and setting IP standards and norms, and providing top class global IP services and deep IP insights. WIPO Member States have warmly welcomed Mr Tang’s transformational work, which includes the following:
- Transforming the IP Ecosystem: During his first term, Mr Tang refreshed WIPO’s approach to IP, going beyond its legal and technical focus, to position IP as a catalyst for economic growth and social progress. In this regard, WIPO has helped many developing Member States modernise their national IP strategies and transform their IP offices into innovation agencies. WIPO also actively fosters understanding and alignment in emerging areas of work such as artificial intelligence (AI), IP financing, innovation economics, and Standard Essential Patents (SEPs).
- Leading with Impact: WIPO’s programmes today focus on impactful, tangible support for innovators and creators around the world. Beyond supporting national IP strategies, WIPO has extended its reach to a wide spectrum of stakeholders, ranging from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to women and youths. WIPO has supported over 200,000 MSMEs through tailored projects leading to significant job creation and socio-economic development. The transformed WIPO Academy has since trained over 600,00 persons, of which 400,000 were youths, and 300,000 women.
- Strengthening Multilateralism: Mr Tang has re-energised WIPO as a platform for open, collaborative and impactful multilateralism. Under his leadership, WIPO successfully concluded two landmark multilateral treaties in 2024 – the WIPO Treaty on IP, Genetic Resources and associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK), and the Riyadh Design Law Treaty (RDLT) – the first treaties that WIPO has concluded in more than a decade.
- Driving Organisational Excellence: Mr Tang has ensured that WIPO is run efficiently and effectively. He has maintained WIPO’s strong financial standing while undertaking measures to foster a more open, collaborative and dynamic organisational culture.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said, “In a time of geopolitical fragmentation, WIPO has been a constructive and action-oriented institution that has strengthened multilateralism. Under his leadership, WIPO has demonstrated that multilateralism can continue to drive real change. WIPO will need a steadfast, dependable, and principled leader who serves the interests of all Member States. I have every confidence that Mr Daren Tang will continue to build on the considerable achievements of his first term. He has the Singapore Government’s full support and best wishes for a second term.”
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Mr Edwin Tong SC said, “Singapore is proud to nominate Mr Daren Tang for a second term as Director-General of WIPO. Under his leadership, WIPO has made significant strides in strengthening the global IP ecosystem, promoting innovation and creativity, and enhancing inclusivity across Member States. He has demonstrated thoughtful, principled, and forward-looking leadership in steering WIPO through a time of rapid technological change and growing global uncertainties. His ability to bring people together, build consensus, and foster collaboration has earned the respect and confidence of stakeholders around the world. We believe he is well placed to continue advancing WIPO’s mission in this next chapter, and we look forward to working closely with all Member States in support of his continued service.”
Singapore looks forward to the support of WIPO Member States for Mr Tang’s re-election as Director General.
