ROCB Europe Showcases Innovations and Strategic Initiatives at 19th WCO Global Meeting

The 19th Global Meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Entities and Council Vice-Chairs' Offices convened on February 19-20, 2024, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. This hybrid-format meeting brought together over 170 delegates representing various WCO regional structures, including Vice-Chair Offices, Regional Offices for Capacity Building (ROCBs), Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILOs), Regional Training Centers (RTCs), Regional Dog Training Centers, Regional Customs Laboratories, and host administrations of regional entities. A significant focus of the meeting was on enhancing customs education and capacity building through technological innovation. Delegates received updates on the latest developments in the WCO CLiKC! platform, the organization's e-learning portal designed to strengthen customs knowledge globally. The Secretariat emphasized the importance of optimizing the utilization of CLiKC! and encouraged regional entities to contribute high-quality materials to enrich the learning experience. The WCO Distance Learning Strategy was also discussed, highlighting efforts to implement comprehensive distance learning programs that cater to the evolving needs of customs administrations worldwide. This strategy aims to provide accessible and flexible learning solutions, ensuring that customs officers can acquire essential skills regardless of their location. The meeting showcased the progress of the WCO Virtual Reality (VR) training project, an initiative launched in 2021 with the support of the Customs Cooperation Fund-Korea (CCF-Korea). This program was developed to support customs officials in learning and understanding the basic procedures of physical inspection on containerized cargo at maritime ports. With the help of VR devices and a cyber master, trainees can select scenarios to detect contraband items such as drugs, counterfeit goods, and explosives smuggled in imported cargo. The deployment of VR kiosks at ROCBs and RTCs worldwide was highlighted, providing customs officers with immersive training experiences that simulate real-world inspection scenarios. ROCB Europe expressed appreciation for the implementation of this new technological equipment to increase customs officers' capacity. Inspired by this initiative, ROCB Europe announced a new "Training Program on Container Security and Contraband Detection" for the WCO Europe Region, integrating theoretical, virtual, and practical training segments. ROCB Europe introduced an initiative to designate Regional Training Centers (RTCs) as Centers of Excellence within the WCO Europe Region. This project aims to enhance the role of RTCs in customs capacity-building activities by specializing in specific topics, thereby increasing their effectiveness and service delivery. By focusing on particular areas of expertise, these centers can provide targeted training and support to customs administrations, fostering a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Discussions during the meeting also encompassed the WCO Expert Management and Accreditation Policy, which outlines the principles for managing and accrediting WCO experts. The introduction of the ACE Experts Portal was highlighted as a tool to facilitate this process, ensuring a high standard of expertise within the organization. ROCB Europe commended the WCO's commitment to capacity building and international cooperation, noting that these efforts are crucial for equipping customs administrations worldwide with the knowledge and skills necessary for modern trade environments. Throughout the meeting, participants reiterated the significance of the global assembly in empowering regional entities to fulfill their missions and effectively manage and mobilize available resources. ROCB Europe expressed its dedication to supporting WCO initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of global customs administrations through innovation, partnerships, and tailored solutions. This commitment underscores ROCB Europe's role in promoting efficient and secure customs operations worldwide. The 19th Global Meeting concluded with the election of Mr. Souod Salem AlAgroobi, Director of ROCB MENA, as the Chair, and Mr. Antonio Lo Parco, Director of ROCB Europe, as the Vice-Chair for the 20th Global Meeting, scheduled to further these discussions and initiatives.