“In a time of increasing trade volumes, growing trade complexity and vulnerability to sophisticated parties seeking to misuse supply chains, customs’ efforts are more important than ever”
technologies. It recommends methods for analysing risk, realising effective cooperation between customs and other government agencies, and establishing greater trust with the trade community based on a sense of shared responsibility. It also helps build specific capabilities within the global customs workforce with a view to instilling approaches that are more self-sustaining. BUILDING RESILIENT GLOBAL SYSTEMS The WCO’s members support one another to strengthen customs operations. Each has expertise and experience to contribute, and the WCO weaves these into practical and effective solutions to strengthen the global supply chains on which we all rely. I am proud to lead an organisation committed to developing the tools and guidance that enable improvements in how trade operates everywhere every day. That said, realising the goal of modern, efficient and consistent customs everywhere is not something the WCO can bring into being alone. Nor is it something individual customs
administrations can achieve in isolation. Cooperation and support from governments, the private sector and others are vital. Investments in technology and human capital are a must. Meaningful partnerships between customs, supply chain actors and other agencies with border responsibilities are essential. G7 leaders can advance the integrity of global supply chains by recognising the importance of customs, by advocating for the innovation and related resource mobilisation that can enable customs to implement high standards and proven practices, and by making customs–private sector partnerships a cornerstone of economic policy. In Évian, as G7 leaders consider how to address global economic and security challenges and chart positive ways forward, I ask them to remember the importance of well-functioning supply chains and customs’ role in protecting them. I ask that they help customs modernise and succeed – for the betterment of our economies and the safety of our people.
// IAN SAUNDERS Ian Saunders took office as secretary-general of the World Customs Organization in 2024. He previously worked as deputy assistant secretary for the Western Hemisphere at the US Department of Commerce and spent most of his career with US Customs and Border Protection, where he held several senior positions includ- ing assistant commissioner for international affairs, deputy assistant commissioner for international affairs and acting deputy executive assistant commissioner for operations support, as well as director of international policy and programmes and director of international training and assistance.
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