ROCB Europe Reaffirms Commitment to Green Customs at COP29 in Baku

On November 20, 2024, the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) Europe actively participated in the high-level side event titled “Green Customs – A Dialogue of Leading Customs Officials”, hosted by the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan as part of the COP29 proceedings in Baku. The session, held under the umbrella of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), brought together senior customs officials, policymakers, and international experts to explore how customs authorities can contribute to climate action through sustainable trade policies and environmentally responsible practices. In his remarks, Mr. Antonio Lo Parco, Head of ROCB Europe, emphasized the growing importance of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into modern customs operations. He highlighted the critical role of customs capacity building in addressing environmental challenges, stressing that traditional training methods must be complemented by targeted operational support to help customs administrations translate environmental policies into tangible, on-the-ground results. ROCB Europe reaffirmed its commitment to supporting member administrations in designing and implementing capacity-building initiatives that are aligned with the WCO's Green Customs Action Plan. By facilitating knowledge exchange, enhancing the digital transformation of customs procedures, and promoting the development of national strategies, ROCB Europe continues to serve as a regional catalyst for advancing green customs practices. The session also provided a platform to present best practices in the areas of AI-based risk management for hazardous goods, green supply chains, carbon border mechanisms, and circular economy approaches, with interventions from countries such as Austria, Türkiye, Brazil, and the United States. Discussions underscored the importance of collaboration among customs, environmental authorities, and international stakeholders to build resilient and sustainable trade frameworks. As part of its long-term strategy, ROCB Europe is prioritizing the integration of sustainability-focused modules into regional training curricula, expanding cooperation with universities and think tanks, and promoting ESG-aligned customs governance through workshops and strategic dialogues. ROCB Europe’s active engagement in this landmark event once again highlighted its unique position as a regional driver of innovation, resilience, and responsible trade facilitation within the broader climate and sustainability agenda of the WCO and the global community.