Nineteen representatives from twelve WCO Member administrations completed the most recent Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) Expert Trainer Accreditation Workshop held at WCO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, from 22 to 30 August 2017. During the two weeks, representatives from Belize, Cameroon, Canada, Ghana, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United States actively participated in the train-the-trainer workshop and engaged with facilitators to acquire the subject matter expertise and skills to conduct training courses based on the WCO’s STCE training curriculum. The curriculum contains high-level briefings for senior managers on strengthening national STCE efforts and modules for operational personnel covering Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) and related dual use materials and equipment. Participants also received supplementary training on the application of risk management and post-clearance audits in the context of strategic trade control.
This workshop marked the 8th such session in the WCO’s effort to develop a strong roster of accredited expert trainers in the STCE topic. In total, 151 representatives from 57 countries have been trained since the program began last year. Participants who demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge during the workshops will be able to complete their accreditation as WCO “STCE Expert Trainers” by conducting an in-field training mission as a co-trainer delivering the WCO’s STCE curriculum. The WCO has accredited 22 STCE Expert Trainers to date. Alongside WCO staff, they will support the WCO’s strategy to assist its Members’ efforts in preventing illicit trafficking of goods related to weapons of mass destruction and fulfilling commitments arising from UN Security Council Resolutions such as UNSCR 1540 and others.
Future events are planned both in Brussels and across the WCO regions under the framework of the STCE Programme. For additional information please contact James.McColm@wcoomd.org.