Pacific Customs Leadership Workshop

The Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Leadership Workshop, held in the Cook Islands from 25 to26 July 2024, provided 21 Customs leaders from throughout the Pacific with an opportunity to step back from the workplace and focus on their own personal development. The workshop was facilitated by CCES CEO, Professor David Widdowson.

The workshop focused on various aspects of leadership including self-awareness, inspiring teams, leading change, leadership in action, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and empowering customs professionals to lead with vision and integrity.

Participants came from Tuvalu, CNMI, RMI, PNG, Vanuatu, FSM, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Nauru, Tonga,Niue, Palau, New Caledonia, American Samoa and the OCO. Professor Widdowson was extremely impressed with the calibre of participants.

“The workshop participants were outstanding, displaying exceptional commitment and enthusiasm throughout the sessions. Their active engagement and insightful contributions significantly enriched the experience for everyone involved" he said.

The workshop preceded the 26th Annual OCO Conference where leaders and officials from across the Pacific gathered to discuss regional issues including border security, trade facilitation, and thefight against transnational crime. Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, the Hon. Mr Mark Brown, stressed the importance of working together to combat illicit drugs and protect our communities.OCO Chairperson, Rachael Goodwin, highlighted the organisation's success in enhancing border security and promoting gender equality; and OCO Head of Secretariat, Nancy Oraka, outlined theOCO's work in strengthening customs administrations across the Pacific through training, information sharing, and trade facilitation.