ROCB Europe Participates in the 143rd/144th Sessions of the WCO Council in Brussels

From June 27 to 29, 2024, the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) Europe attended the 143rd and 144th Sessions of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council in Brussels, Belgium, as an observer. The high-level event convened Directors General of Customs from 186 WCO member administrations, offering a platform to review progress aligned with the WCO Strategic Plan 2022–2025, and to adopt future-oriented decisions on governance, modernization, and capacity-building priorities. Throughout the sessions, key discussions focused on enhancing customs modernization, digitalization, trade facilitation, enforcement cooperation, and the growing role of Customs in addressing complex challenges, including illicit trade, environmental threats, and e-commerce. The WCO’s Secretary General Ian Saunders emphasized the strategic importance of capacity building, highlighting that 660 missions were conducted during the year, with a majority dedicated to supporting customs modernization and organizational development. This included 363 missions for the protection of society, 152 missions under organizational development, and targeted initiatives such as the Virtual Reality Training (VRT) program, which was rolled out at all WCO Regional Training Centres (RTCs), including ROCB Europe. The Capacity Building Directorate’s (CBD) report showcased major developments, including: • Expansion of the CLiKC! e-learning platform, offering technical training and onboarding for new officers through programs like the Virtual Customs Orientation Academy; • Launch of a Middle Management Development (MMD) train-the-trainer initiative, new e-learning content in multiple languages, and enhanced expert accreditation workshops in areas like risk management, valuation, enforcement, and integrity development; • The introduction of AI-based training modules under the BACUDA project, and a scholarship program to improve Members’ analytical capabilities in customs data analysis; • Progress in gender equality and diversity (GED), with updates to the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool and the publication of a new GED Compendium; ROCB Europe’s involvement in the Council sessions highlights its growing role as a key regional facilitator of WCO’s global goals, particularly in developing high-quality, inclusive training strategies and promoting modern customs practices. Its recent efforts to strengthen collaboration with regional training centers, foster innovation in customs education, and contribute to the development of Centers of Excellence are aligned with the broader modernization and governance agenda of the WCO. By taking part in these critical discussions, ROCB Europe reaffirms its long-standing commitment to supporting member administrations across the WCO Europe Region, promoting tailored capacity-building solutions, and helping shape the future of Customs through coordinated, strategic engagement.