US Mission Geneva

Ambassador Betty King delivered a statement on behalf of the Group B, industrialized countries, at the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). She stated that “we are pleased with WIPO’s efforts in encouraging innovation and creativity throughout all regions of the world, while promoting a balanced and effective international intellectual property system. These efforts will continue to foster the economic, social and cultural development of all countries.”

To commemorate World Intellectual Property Day, Amb. King announced that the U.S. will award a grant to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to build public awareness of the dangers to health and safety associated with counterfeit products.

Ambassador King: “With the sowing of seeds of what is known as the “mélange de Geneve” – which includes 46 different species of regional and local flowers and native wild grasses – the lawn we stand on today will be transformed into a meadow full of flowering prairie grasses indigenous to the Geneva region.”

Ambassador King made remarks at the World Intellection Property Organization to mark Qualcomm, a leading American technology firm, filing the 2 Millionth Patent Application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

For Earth Day 2011, the U.S. Mission sponsored a discussion on Entrepreneurship and the Green Economy. Amb. Betty E. King delivered remarks focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship which are “critical to economic growth and to the transition to a green economy.”

NASA Astronaut Steven Smith visited the U.S. Mission Geneva to share his experience in space and the lessons he’s learned in his work on the international space station. He visited schools in the area and encouraged children to follow their dreams whatever obstacles they might face. Mr. Smith also spoke to an audience of scientists and diplomats at the U.S. Mission to discuss the importance of collaboration by the international community in future endeavors into space.

Ambassador Betty King attends Fleet Forum Conference in Geneva to underline U.S. commitment to the critical delivery of humanitarian assistance in a safe, economically efficient and environmentally responsible way.

To commemorate World Forestry Day and the International Year of Forests, Ambassador King planted a tree on UN grounds in a symbolic step “towards furthering the ambition of increased tree coverage around the globe.”

We must do everything we can to reduce the human suffering and alleviate the pressure on Tunisia’s and Egypt’s borders. Many donors have already contributed. I urge them to contribute more. Many countries have not yet contributed. I exhort them to action, to contribute in cash or kind as generously as they can. Many countries whose citizens have been stranded have augmented the international effort, including several nations of limited means. They deserve our admiration; such assistance demonstrates the recognition that all governments must be responsive to the needs of their people.