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Remarks and Official Statements - 2009
Ambassador’s Remarks at IPR Event and the awards for “Women of Courage”
April 27, 2009
It is an incredible pleasure to join you this evening, and to be able to be here on this most important day for the founding of this wonderful organization. I am particularly indebted to the Intellectual Property Association and to those who have been such a driving in putting that organization together and bringing all of us together tonight.
You know this day is an extremely important day. And by coming together here on this important day, each of us and each one of you is standing together with people all over the world to demonstrate commitment to the goals of preserving and protecting Intellectual Property.
The struggle to protect intellectual property is so essential because is touches at the very core of human endeavor. I don’t I need to tell you this, but we need to help people all over this country and all over the world pause for a moment and think about what really matters. Think about the most powerful force in your life, the most significant developments in the history of humankind. And you will realize that these are not political influence or military might or even great material wealth.
On the contrary the things that have changed our lives fundamentally, that have inspired millions and driven nations to act are simply ideas.
Ideas, images, expressions – the product of human creativity, of ingenuity, and of invention. These are the things that have defined our humanity, they have pulled us out of suffering and they have allowed us to imagine a better life and to reach for a better future.
And so whatever the form – a radical concept for how governments relate to the people they govern, a breakthrough in medical research, an innovation in artistic expression, or an advance in business efficiency – each of these “products” of human endeavor are invaluable Intellectual Property.
And while the impact of these innovations may be broadly or even universally experienced, their origin must be recognized and the work of the originator must be valued and protected.
At its most fundamental, that is what the struggle for Intellectual Property Rights is all about and that is what the people in this room here tonight in Bulgaria are fighting for.
If Bulgaria, if the people of Bulgaria are to enjoy the kind of future that they need and deserve, then IPR must be a central part of its laws and practices today.
If Bulgaria is to sustain economic growth, promote innovation and become an engine – an incubator – for the South European region, it must proceed on the basis of an IPR regime that is coherent and strong, a regime that is endorsed by private industry and enforced by government authorities, a regime that encourages people to explore and invent and innovate.
Tonight we have the great pleasure and the very great honor to commend two individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to this broad effort. These are two people who have committed themselves – at great cost and great sacrifice – to protect the value of human ingenuity and to advance the cause of IPR.
The first of these outstanding people is Ilona Kranstenyakova. As a top IPR prosecutor, this extraordinary woman has driven enforcement of IPR laws and played a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding the IPR regime here in Bulgaria. She has done incredible things for her country, and it is an honor to stand on the stage next to her. The award that I am going to give to her is weighty, but it is not nearly as weighty as the responsibilities that rest on her shoulders.
The second individual that I would like to recognize tonight is Ina Kileva. This woman, in her own way, is equally exceptional: Executive Director of the Bulgarian Association of Music Producers, former Deputy Minister of Culture, and a tireless advocate for the rights of Bulgarian artists and performers and the companies that represent them. She has driven creativity by protecting the rights of that creativity. And it is an honor to put into her hands this award.
Both of these women have faced daunting challenges and even physical intimidation. But they did not relent because they knew they were doing the right thing. With intelligence and integrity and incredible courage, they have advanced the cause which addresses the needs and interests of every single person here and throughout the country.
So ladies and gentlemen, please join me once again in commending the excellence and achievement of these two women of courage.