Global Courant
Photo: BusinessLive
South African Revenue Commissioner (SARS), Edward Kieswetter, has been elected President of the World Customs Organization (WCO). The election took place on June 24, 2023 during the session of the Organizing Council at WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
With 185 members, three quarters of the WCO consists of developing countries and the Council is the highest decision-making body. Founded in 1952 as the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC), the WCO is the only intergovernmental organization focused solely on customs matters and is recognized as the voice of the global customs community. In 1994, the CCC adopted the working name of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Kieswetter expressed his appreciation to his colleagues who considered him suitable to lead the WCO for a year. “Leadership is an inordinate responsibility and a rare privilege to support international efforts to put customs matters at the heart of facilitating international trade. This election is proof enough that SARS’ leadership in customs is being recognized after many years of state takeover.” – he said.
Prior to the elections, the Policy Committee took place. Discussions in the Policy Committee included the progress of WCO Customs technical programs, emerging and emerging challenges plaguing the customs community, and organizational development issues surrounding governance and modernization of the WCO as a member-driven organization.
With the foregoing current issues currently on the agenda, Commissioner Kieswetter is at the pinnacle of a global stage to provide appropriate governance that ensures the WCO is fit for purpose and remains relevant in providing leadership and support to the global customs community.
The Commissioner outlined the agenda that will inform his Presidency, which includes the following:
Work closely with its peers and colleagues from Member States to actively listen and ensure that the strategic intent of the WCO finds practical expression through an effective well-run secretariat, a transformational modernization plan, an appropriate set of priorities, a clear idea of what winning means. Advocate for more inclusiveness with a strong focus on women and people with disabilities. Build resilient and effective partnerships with all stakeholders. Aiming to raise the profile of the important role of customs in the service of society and the well-being, in particular of the most vulnerable.Earlier and the only other time the country chaired the WCO Council was between 2001 and 2006 under the then commissioner, Pravin Gordhan.
Commissioner Kieswetter thanked the outgoing Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya and the Chairman, Mr. Ahmed Al-Khalifa, and expressed his gratitude for their skillful stewardship that so successfully shaped the agenda of the organization.
The Policy Commission has also elected Mr. Ian Sanders of the United States as the new Secretary General of the WCO and he will begin his term on January 1, 2024.
Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner Elected
World News,Next Big Thing in Public Knowledg
#Edward #Kieswetter #SARS #Commissioner #Elected
