Request for DVC Speaker for World IPR Day 2009

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000095 SIPDIS FOR IIP/S CBARONE, FROSA INFO WHA/PDA CPETERSON, CWEST WHA/CAR JROSHOLT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KPAO NS SUBJECT: Request for DVC Speaker for World IPR Day 2009 REF: STATE 012308 ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Post seeks a DVC speaker, preferably Dr. Moises Naim, for a program in commemoration of World Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Day on April 26. Post plans to screen "Illicit," an IPR documentary whose programmatic use is supported by the Department, and to host a follow-up discussion with the requested DVC speaker - preferably Dr. Moises Naim, author of the book on which the movie is based and editor of Foreign Policy magazine. The audience would be comprised of law students from the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, their professors, and members from the Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as the Ministry of Justice and Police. IPR is a serious issue in Suriname and previous Post events for the university have been widely attended and covered by the media. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: In commemoration of World Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Day on April 26, Post requests a DVC speaker to comment on the issues raised in "Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats Are Hijacking the Global Economy." Post intends to screen this movie just prior to the DVC as a way of stimulating discussion and raising awareness on the severity of the issue. The audience would be comprised primarily of law students from the Anton de Kom University of Suriname and their professors. Post would also invite select members from the Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as the Ministry of Justice and Police to share their views. Media representation would be included in the event, but it would be as background and non-attribution for our guests. ¶3. (U) TIME FRAME: Post requests a DVC event on April 27, 28, 29, or 30; the exact date and time would be based on the speaker's availability. Paramaribo is one hour ahead of EST. ¶4. (U) PROGRAM PURPOSE: The DVC would commemorate World IPR Day, and catalyze discussion among the country's future leaders regarding the effects of IPR violations in Suriname. Even though IPR are recognized among policy leaders as important, the legislation is not in place to combat it. In part due to the lack of legislation, IPR infringements generally are not penalized and enforcement is limited. This program would underscore the U.S. Government's commitment to this issue, raise its awareness among Suriname's future leaders, and further strengthen the relationship between the Embassy and the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, which has requested that we do legal programming with its students. ¶5. (U) MSP Strategic Goal: Goal #2, Strong democratic and judicial institutions, supported by effective law enforcement. Goal #4, Evident U.S. Contribution to Suriname's Improved Economic and Social Development. ¶6. (U) AUDIENCE: The primary target audience for this DVC would be the law students of the Anton de Kom University of Suriname and their professors. Post also intends to invite select members from the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Justice and Police. Media participation would be included. ¶7. (U) PROPOSED TOPICS AND NATURE OF EVENTS: Post requests one DVC on "IPR: the effects of counterfeiting on the world economy." ¶8. (U) NAME OF DESIRED SPECIALIST: Dr. Moises Naim, Editor in Chief of Foreign Policy magazine and the author of "Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats Are Hijacking the Global Economy." Post has been in contact with the office of Dr. Naim and understands that he may be available at a time between April 27 and April 30. Should Dr. Naim be unavailable, Post kindly requests assistance in identifying an alternate speaker, preferably from Post's State Partner, South Dakota, who is knowledgeable about IPR issues and, if possible, this documentary. ¶9. (U) LANGUAGE: English ¶10. (U) POST CONTACT INFORMATION: Erik Anderson, P/E Officer, tel: (597) 472 900 extension 2208, fax: (597) 420 800, email: AndersonEM@state.gov . Back-up program officer: Rachidie Frangie, tel: (597) 472 900 extension 2241, fax: (597) 425-690; email: FrangieRF@state.gov ¶11. (U) FUNDING SPECIFICS: Post would be willing to use I-Bucks in support of this program. SCHREIBERHUGHES