The UN secretary general, Ba Ki Moon, heralded WIPO’s role in meeting challenges such as climate change and the Millennium Development Goals during his first visit to the Organisation’s Geneva headquarters last week.

Ban said: “WIPO can be a champion in helping to meet the Millennium Development Goals; a champion in joining the global efforts to combat climate change; a champion in helping to tackle high food and energy prices.”

He was speaking after a meeting with Francis Gurry, WIPO director general, and Martin Uhomoibhi, chair of WIPO’s General Assembly.

Gurry, whose six-year term as director general started on October 1, has said WIPO must collaborate with other UN organisations on issues such as reducing the knowledge gap, sustainable development, climate change, desertification, access to health care, food security and preserving biodiversity.

To achieve these goals and develop policy analysis, the Organisation is advertising for the new post of director of global challenges.

Read an interview with Francis Gurry in the October issue of Managing IP (subscription or free trial required).