WCO Members of the Virtual Working Group on Gender Equality & Diversity gathered on the 27th of January to discuss new WCO initiatives to drive the agenda on gender equality and diversity in Customs. The meeting provided an opportunity for representatives from 17 Customs administrations (Brazil, Egypt, Ghana, Guatemala, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Liberia, the Maldives, New Zealand, Panama, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States) to exchange views and ideas to enhance the work going forward.
Information was shared on the outcomes of the discussions on gender equality and diversity during the recent WCO Policy Commission and Council session. The adoption of the Declaration of the Customs Co-Operation Council on Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs was a key milestone for WCOs work in this area. The Virtual Working Group had actively contributed with its feedback. In that regard, the work of the Virtual Working Group in fulfilling some of the key objectives of this Declaration was acknowledged, especially on sharing experiences among Members.
It was further noted that a Concept Note had been drafted for the new Network for Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs and clarifications were provided on the role of this Network in relation to the work already conducted by the Virtual Working Group.
Members were also informed about the preparation of an internal gender equality and diversity assessment of the WCO Secretariat. The idea to nominate Champions for Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs generated special interest among Members. The WCO looks forward to working closely with its Members to continue driving this agenda forward.
For more information, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org