Ian Saunders, the United States’ candidate and currently Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, has been elected to become the next Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Saunders was elected into the position on Saturday during the 141st/142nd WCO Conference and Council Meeting at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
Saunders, with over 20 years in customs during his three-decade career in international relations, promised continued commitment to all member countries of the WCO and advocacy for diverse perspectives to shape and inform the work of the organization.
He pledged to uphold the principles of inclusivity, diversity of thought, and transparency, recognizing these as essential to achieving a safe, prosperous, and inclusive future.
“On behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, we are deeply proud and honoured that Mr. Ian Saunders will represent the United States of America as the newest Secretary General of the World Customs Organization.
“We look forward to Saunders’ leadership of this important body, where he has pledged to strike the balance between tradition and innovation, safety and facilitation, and national interests and global cooperation for the improvement of global customs practices. We have every confidence in his leadership of and commitment to our customs community,” United Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, Troy A. Miller, said.
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