Nadi, Fiji. January 28- The Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) held its first capacity-building workshop of 2025 focusing on strengthening leadership across its 23 member countries.
The workshop facilitated by Charles Sturt University’s Centre for Customs and Excise Studies aligns with OCO’s 2024-2025 Strategic Priority on Customs Leadership and aims to improve corporate governance and develop leadership capabilities within member administrations.
The training will also focus on the establishment of workplace mentoring programs and succession planning strategies to address challenges of staff turnover and talent retention.
“In today’s complex environment, Pacific Customs administrations face unprecedented challenges,” said Nancy T Oraka, OCO Head of Secretariat. “From combating increased drug trafficking to managing the influx of counterfeit goods, while maintaining efficient revenue collection, our member organisations need strong governance frameworks and leadership capabilities more than ever.”
The training program emphasises practical tools and frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making. Participants will learn strategies to build trust both within their organisations and with stakeholder communities.
The workshop also focuses on developing workplace mentoring programs and succession planning frameworks to preserve institutional knowledge and ensure continuity in crucial Customs operations across the Pacific region.
Charles Sturt University’s Centre for Customs and Excise Studies, as a long-standing supporter of OCO and its members, is facilitating the workshop, bringing expertise in Customs administration and leadership development to the program.
About OCO: The Oceania Customs Organisation is the regional body for Customs administrations in the Pacific region. OCO works to enhance the capacity and capability of its members in border security, trade facilitation, and revenue collection.