Story perspectives

Daren Tang Re-elected Amid WIPO's Financial Crisis

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Daren Tang Heng Shim was re-elected as director-general of World Intellectual Property Organisation on February 12, 2026.
He won with 81 votes against Johanny Stanley Joseph, a Haitian candidate.
The organisation, based in Geneva, Switzerland, faces a financial crisis from reduced funding by the United States.
In 2020, United States lobbying played a crucial role in Tang's initial election.
Today, the United States and China appear indifferent to WIPO's leadership.

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Story summary

Daren Tang Heng Shim was re-elected as director-general of World Intellectual Property Organisation on February 12, 2026.
He won with 81 votes against Johanny Stanley Joseph, a Haitian candidate.
The organisation, based in Geneva, Switzerland, faces a financial crisis from reduced funding by the United States.
In 2020, United States lobbying played a crucial role in Tang's initial election.
Today, the United States and China appear indifferent to WIPO's leadership.