WOMEN IN CUSTOMS, TRADE AND LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

JULY 1, 2013

OFFICIAL AGENDA

Download the printable agenda in ENGLISH - FRENCH

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INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

Mr Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General, World Customs Organization

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Ms D. F. Msimang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, South African Embassy in France (TBC)

VIDEO (by the International Maritime Organization)

SESSION I

External Perspectives: Women’s Economic Empowerment and Trade Facilitation

Women in the developing world are becoming increasingly engaged in international trade.  Women’s economic empowerment, supported by trade, can support positive social, economic and national revenue outcomes.  This session will explore the specific challenges of women traders in the developing world.

Moderator: Mr Erich Kieck, Director Capacity Building, World Customs Organization

Panelists:

·         Ms Margaret Saner, Vice President of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration

·         Ms Anne Miroux, Director, Division of Technology and Logistics, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) (TBC)

·         Mr Alan Hall, Senior Border Management Specialist, World Bank

Questions and Answers, Discussion

COFFEE AND NETWORKING BREAK

SESSION II

External Perspectives: How Customs Can Support Women’s Economic Empowerment

Customs administrations play a key role in supporting trade facilitation and economic development in developing countries.  This session will explore the specific needs of women as economic actors and how Customs Administrations and other stakeholders in trade can support women’s economic empowerment within the context of the 21^st century Customs agenda.

 

Moderator: Ms. Elfriede Fritz, Head of Unit “Trade Policy Instruments” and Chairperson of the Working Group on Equal Treatment, Ministry of Finance, Austria

Panelists:

·         Ms Carol West, Chair, WCO Private Sector Consultative Group

·         Ms Gertrude Nimako-Boateng, Executive Director, International Trade Institute for West Africa

·         Ms Päivi Kannisto, xxx, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland

·         Ms Andrea Paz, Head of WCO Regional Office for Capacity Building in the Americas and Caribbean Region (TBC)

Question and Answers, Discussion

LUNCH

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Ms Allen Kagina, Commissioner General, Uganda Revenue Authority

SESSION III

Internal Perspectives: Equality as a Driving Force for Improved Organizational Performance

Inclusive organizations that make the best possible use of all the organization’s diverse talent, including women, tend to perform better.  Using examples from within and outside of Customs, this session will explore how organizations that have assimilated the full talents of women have succeeded.

Moderator: TBC

Panelists:

·         Dr. Gudrun Vande Walle, Post Doctoral Researcher, University College, Gent

·         Ms Christina Horchmans, Director, Indirect Tax, Customs and International Trade, Ernst & Young

·         Ms Petra Hoogendoorn, Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Dutch Tax and Customs Administration

Question and Answers, Discussion

COFFEE AND NETWORKING BREAK

SESSION IV

Practical Considerations: Helping Women to Work Effectively in Male Dominated Organizations

While largely male-dominated, women leaders have made a significant mark on Customs Administrations throughout the world.  Using examples from within and outside Customs, this session will explore how women leaders have succeeded and thrived in male-dominated organizations.

Moderator: Ms Heike Barczyk, Deputy Director Capacity Building, World Customs Organization

Panelists:

·         Ms Agnes Katsonga, Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Malawi Revenue Authority

·         Ms Alessandra Zocca, Secretary General of Professional Women International, Brussels (TBC)

·         Ms Maria Oliveri, Customs Officer, United States Customs and Border Protection

Question and Answers, Discussion

 

Outlook on Women in Leadership Workshop 02-05 July: Mr Nathan Taylor, Project Manager, World Customs Organization

 

Closing

RECEPTION

hosted by the World Customs Organization