Imagine a well-trained customs workforce with exceptional leadership capabilities—how efficiently could it address increasingly complex international trade challenges while facilitating smooth global commerce? The World Customs Organization (WCO) understands this dynamic well and is actively cultivating high-caliber leaders through its Leadership and Management Development (LMD) program.
Recently, the WCO conducted its second LMD Workshop Facilitator Certification event in Tourcoing, France, focusing on developing French-speaking facilitators to support future LMD workshops in Francophone regions. Hosted by the French Customs Academy from May 21-25, 2012, the event brought together experts from French and Moroccan customs, led by WCO Secretariat's Daniel Perrier and Canada Border Services Agency's Rachel Auclair.
WCO: Building a New Framework for Global Customs Leadership
The LMD program represents a cornerstone of WCO's global capacity-building efforts. Through systematic training and certification, it enhances customs officials' leadership, management skills, and strategic thinking—critical competencies for navigating modern trade challenges while balancing economic growth and security imperatives. The French-language facilitator certification initiative marks a strategic expansion of the LMD program's global reach.
Certification Objectives: Developing Elite LMD Facilitators
The certification process rigorously evaluates candidates against established LMD facilitator standards, assessing their mastery of workshop materials, facilitation techniques, and conceptual understanding of LMD principles. This selective approach ensures the development of highly skilled, knowledgeable, and responsible LMD facilitators.
Certification Process: Comprehensive Evaluation and Skill Enhancement
Beyond theoretical knowledge transfer, the certification combines immersive learning, practical application, and performance assessment. Participants engage with LMD workshop materials, practice facilitation techniques through simulated scenarios, and undergo multidimensional evaluations by WCO experts—covering conceptual comprehension, facilitation methodology, and participant engagement skills. Only those meeting stringent criteria receive WCO certification as qualified LMD facilitators.
LMD Workshops: Comprehensive Professional Development for Customs Officials
WCO's tailored LMD workshops provide holistic training covering leadership, management, strategic thinking, and communication skills. Participants gain:
- Enhanced leadership capabilities: Techniques for team motivation, strategic decision-making, and effective governance
- Advanced management skills: Practical tools for project management, risk assessment, and performance optimization
- Strategic perspective expansion: Analysis of global trade trends and strategic planning methodologies
- Communication proficiency: Skills for effective dialogue, relationship-building, and collaborative teamwork
2012 LMD Workshop Expansion: Global Implementation
WCO scheduled over ten LMD workshops globally during 2012, serving both English and French-speaking regions. This expansion significantly increases access to professional development opportunities for customs personnel worldwide.
Strategic Impact: Optimizing Customs Operations and Global Trade
The LMD program represents a strategic investment with far-reaching implications:
- Operational efficiency improvements through streamlined customs procedures
- Trade facilitation via simplified processes and reduced barriers
- Enhanced security through improved risk management and illicit trade prevention
- Economic growth stimulation by fostering international commerce