New leadership at the WCO

Yeaterday marked a milestone in the history of my old organization, the World Customs Organization (WCO), as Mr. Ian Saunders officially took office as the new Secretary General.

This change in WCO leadership was celebrated by a handover ceremony from Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, the outgoing Secretary General, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, symbolizing both continuity and the opening of a new chapter for the organization. A new flad was raised outside the building, in line with the tradition.

As Mr. Saunders embarks on his five-year term, he brings a clear and forward-looking agenda to the forefront.

In his own words: “While respecting the WCO’s rich past, there is a need to innovate and adapt to modern challenges. I intend to lead the Organization by forging strong and enduring public-private partnerships, leveraging technology, and promoting inclusiveness for effective global Customs cooperation, ensuring transparency and openness as fundamental principles of good governance.”

This statement was made during his first address to the organization, setting a tone of progressive leadership and commitment to global collaboration.

Congratulatins Ian! From the private sector we are looking forward to a close cooperation with WCO under your leadership. You will have our support.

I have know Ian for a long time & we have worked together in the past. He will be an excellent Secretary General of an international institution in a time where the organization is more important than ever.

Ian could not have a better guide into his first 100 days than from the Deputy Secretary General Ricardo Treviño Chapa, who is one year into his second term. Ricardo has a strong passion & impressive track record as champion for trade facilitation & border development.

WCO now has a very strong executive leadership team to take on the challenges of 2024 & the next time period.

Finally, a word of gratitude to my former colleague Kunio Mikuriya who has served for three terms as Secretary General of the WCO, a very long time with challenges never seen before in history. The outstanding response to Covid-19 pandemic crises, keeping borders open for vaccine, medicines, medical equipment & regular goods, is a recent example on success under your leadership.