As the world continues to grapple with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions, the United Nations and the World Customs Organization (WCO) are forging closer ties to address multiple crises and stimulate global recovery.
On June 28, 2021, WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at UN Headquarters in New York to discuss enhanced collaboration on global challenges and sustainable development.
Key Discussions and Commitments
Secretary-General Guterres commended the critical role of customs administrations in global trade and security, particularly highlighting WCO's contributions to vaccine distribution, counter-terrorism efforts, technology-driven trade facilitation, and cooperation with UN agencies. He also acknowledged progress in gender equality and diversity within the global customs community.
"The pandemic has further underscored the importance of customs operations," Guterres stated, expressing the UN's commitment to continued partnership with WCO.
Dr. Mikuriya emphasized WCO's priority to support members in safe and efficient global vaccine distribution while maintaining supply chain integrity. The organization is collaborating with UN agencies on worldwide operations against counterfeit medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies to protect public health.
The WCO chief also stressed the importance of digital transformation, advocating for paperless processes and healthy e-commerce development while preventing exploitation by organized crime and terrorist groups. He reaffirmed WCO's commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals through support for legitimate trade.
Strategic Cooperation Areas
Vaccine Distribution and Supply Chain Security
The partners will work to ensure equitable global vaccine distribution, with WCO leveraging its expertise to streamline customs clearance and combat counterfeit vaccines.
Combating Cross-Border Crime and Terrorism
Enhanced information sharing will target illicit activities, with WCO applying its border security experience to monitor high-risk shipments and disrupt terrorist financing.
Trade Facilitation and Economic Development
Joint efforts will reduce trade costs through modernization and technological innovation in customs procedures.
Sustainable Development Goals
The collaboration will strengthen regulation of environmentally sensitive goods and promote sustainable trade practices.
Global Impact and Future Directions
The partnership holds significant potential to enhance global governance, economic recovery, and sustainable development through:
- Improved risk assessment through data sharing and analytics
- Adoption of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain
- Capacity building for developing nations' customs administrations
- Strengthened multilateral cooperation frameworks
As an intergovernmental organization with 183 members overseeing 98% of global trade, WCO plays a pivotal role in establishing international customs standards, providing technical assistance, and fostering cross-border cooperation.
The meeting established a foundation for ongoing collaboration, with both leaders committed to addressing global challenges and building a more secure, prosperous, and sustainable world.