The WCO delivered an e-learning mission in Baku, Azerbaijan from 31 January to 5 February 2019, for the benefit of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SCC). The objectives of this mission were to support Azerbaijan Customs in the implementation of a blended learning approach based on the WCO e-Learning platform and traditional learning methodologies, and to officially launch the SCC national e-learning platform.  The WCO supported the SCC with the installation and set-up and the inauguration was officiated by the Chairman of SCC, Mr.Safar Mehdiyev and the Deputy Director of the WCO Capacity Building Directorate, Mrs. Brenda Mundia.

During the inauguration ceremony Mr. Mehdiyev said that global and national imperatives had reinforced the need for responsive, proactive Customs Administrations and that human capital is one of the most valuable enablers to keep pace with an ever-changing Customs environment.  In this context, he highlighted the importance of launching the e-learning platform which would enhance the overall knowledge of SCC officers.  He also expressed appreciation for the support provided by the WCO.

Mrs. Mundia said that the preparation of Customs professionals to efficiently perform their duties necessitates the acquisition and development of a wide range of skill sets, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors through a comprehensive and complex process of learning. She also highlighted the important role that WCO e-learning modules play in this process.

During the mission, train-the-trainers sessions were provided to introduce the new platform as well as the e-Learning modules developed by the WCO in various languages. The training portion of the mission also covered the approach towards blended learning using both e-learning materials and face-to-face traditional classroom environments. The WCO Europe Regional Office for Capacity Building representatives also participated in a session during which discussions were held on how to promote the use of WCO e-modules through a blended approach in the region.  The SCC is now ready to pilot a basic Customs course on the new e-Learning platform using a blended learning approach.