In the arena of international trade, if efficiency, security, and prosperity form the cornerstone of customs operations, then Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) serves as the catalyst that unlocks the potential of customs teams and elevates overall performance. The World Customs Organization (WCO) embraces this vision, declaring 2025 as the "Year of Customs Delivering on Its Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity Commitments," with GED positioned as a pivotal pathway to achieving these goals. On October 6, 2025, WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders underscored this strategic imperative during his opening address at the Fifth Global Virtual Conference on Gender Equality and Diversity.
GED: Beyond Rights, Empowering Organizations
Advancing gender equality and diversity in customs is not merely a matter of upholding fundamental human rights—it is a prerequisite for building high-performance work environments. The WCO emphasizes that member agencies must prioritize GED, as articulated in the 2020 Customs Gender Equality and Diversity Declaration . This framework provides actionable guidance for integrating GED into internal policies and external collaborations.
WCO’s GED Initiatives and Tools
To operationalize GED principles, the WCO has implemented several key measures:
- Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT): A comprehensive diagnostic instrument enabling customs agencies to evaluate gender equality performance, identify strengths, and address gaps. GEOAT facilitates systematic reviews of policies and practices, guiding tailored action plans.
- GED Hybrid Training Package: Designed to enhance awareness and equip officers with practical skills in gender mainstreaming, unconscious bias mitigation, and inclusive leadership. The curriculum fosters equitable workplace cultures through sensitivity training.
- Roster of Recognized Experts: Established in 2022 to meet growing demand for GED technical assistance, this network connects customs agencies with specialists for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building.
Annual Conference: A Platform for Collaboration
The WCO’s Gender Equality and Diversity Network, launched alongside the Declaration , convenes annual conferences since 2021. The 2025 edition drew over 300 participants, focusing on two themes: disability inclusion and GED-focused partnerships.
Trade as a Force for Women’s Empowerment
WTO’s Trade and Gender Head Anoush der Boghossian delivered a keynote, asserting that while trade exposes entrepreneurs to global standards and skills development, women face disproportionate barriers. "Policymaking must actively counteract structural inequalities," she noted.
Advancing Disability Inclusion
A panel moderated by Ukraine’s Customs highlighted initiatives from the Dominican Republic, South Africa, and UNCTAD:
- The Dominican Republic’s internship program for disabled youth, coupled with workplace accessibility upgrades.
- South Africa’s "Disability Advocates" program, which educates staff on invisible disabilities and improves physical access.
- UNCTAD’s call to reduce tariffs on assistive devices, noting that 90% in low-income countries lack access to essential equipment.
The Power of Partnerships
Representatives from Chile, Nigeria, and UNDP showcased collaborative models:
- Chile’s Aduana Conecta initiative links female entrepreneurs with export training.
- A Nigerian officer’s motorcycle journey from Lagos to Brussels highlighted gender-responsive border infrastructure needs.
- UNDP’s "Gender Equality Seal" certification helps public institutions mainstream gender considerations.
Looking Ahead
The WCO’s Gender Equality and Diversity Virtual Working Group will reconvene on November 4, 2025, to further advance these efforts. The Network, formally launched on International Women’s Day 2022, continues to drive progress aligned with the Declaration .