Edward Kwakwa from Ghana serves as Assistant Director General, directing the Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector. This sector addresses matters involving traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, and genetic resources; coordinates collaborations with other UN entities and international bodies on overarching global concerns; strengthens and broadens alliances with stakeholders from international, corporate, and civil society arenas; and engages emerging groups, including youth.

He oversees:

• WIPO Office to the United Nations

• Building Respect for IP Division

• External Relations Division

• Global Challenges Division

• Intellectual Property and Competition Policy

• Sustainable Development Goals

• Traditional Knowledge Division