Imagine a world where every aspect of global trade contributes to environmental protection, poverty eradication, and fair economic growth. This vision, far from being utopian, represents the ongoing mission of the World Customs Organization (WCO). At the fourteenth United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2016, the WCO reaffirmed its pivotal role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through concrete actions promoting inclusive and equitable global trade.
UNCTAD Conference: Setting the Global Trade Agenda
The quadrennial UNCTAD ministerial conference serves as the UN's highest-level decision-making body on trade and development matters. The 2016 Nairobi gathering attracted over 5,000 participants, including heads of state, government ministers, international organization representatives, NGOs, academics, and private sector leaders. Under the theme "From decision to action: Moving toward an inclusive and equitable global economic trade and development environment," the conference focused on translating development objectives into tangible implementation.
WCO Deputy Secretary General Sergio Mujica attended at the invitation of UNCTAD Secretary-General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, underscoring the WCO's influential position in international trade governance. His participation not only demonstrated WCO's support for UNCTAD's work but also provided a platform to share customs expertise in advancing sustainable development.
World Leaders Summit: Emphasizing Implementation Through Cooperation
During the World Leaders Summit and Heads of Institutions Roundtable, Mujica engaged with presidents of Kenya and Namibia, vice presidents of Comoros and Uganda, and leaders of major international trade organizations. Participants unanimously identified implementation and partnerships as critical components for achieving SDGs and the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing that only through strengthened international collaboration can global challenges be effectively addressed.
Mujica highlighted key WCO instruments supporting SDG implementation, including the Harmonized System (HS), Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), and SAFE Framework of Standards for secure electronic data exchange. These tools facilitate trade while enhancing border security and combating illicit trade - all crucial contributions to sustainable development. He reaffirmed the global customs community's full commitment to these objectives.
"Trade for Prosperity" Initiative: Navigating E-Commerce Challenges
Recognizing both opportunities and challenges presented by e-commerce's exponential growth, UNCTAD launched the "Trade for Prosperity" initiative during the conference. This collaborative effort brings together international organizations, donors, and business leaders to address e-commerce's complexities through best practice sharing and solution development.
As a founding partner, WCO's Mujica outlined key e-commerce challenges for customs administrations, including processing high volumes of small parcels, securing cross-border payments, and combating online fraud. He simultaneously emphasized e-commerce's potential to empower small and medium enterprises in developing economies.
The WCO is developing a Cross-Border E-Commerce Framework to provide members with comprehensive guidance for national policy development, while collaborating with other organizations to enhance cybersecurity in digital trade.
WCO Instruments' Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
WCO's technical instruments demonstrate direct relevance to multiple SDGs:
- Harmonized System (HS): This global product classification standard enables environmental goods identification, supporting ecological protection objectives.
- Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC): By simplifying customs procedures, the RKC reduces trade costs and stimulates economic growth and employment.
- SAFE Framework: Enhanced border security through this framework combats illicit trade and protects intellectual property, contributing to peace and strong institutions.
- Cross-Border E-Commerce Framework: This developing instrument will help members harness digital trade's economic potential while addressing its challenges.
Continued Commitment to Sustainable Trade
WCO's active UNCTAD participation reflects its enduring commitment to sustainable development through trade facilitation, border security, and illicit trade prevention. Through continuous innovation and international cooperation, the organization remains positioned as a key contributor to achieving global sustainability objectives.