On December 9, 2024, within the framework of the International Anti-Corruption Day, the Secretariat of the World Customs Organization (WCO) called on customs administrations around the world to join this important commemoration, reaffirming their commitment to integrity and transparency. In line with this global initiative, the National Customs Directorate (DNA) of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay successfully celebrated the “First Customs Integrity and Transparency Conference, an event that brought together more than 350 participants, including officials, students and representatives from the public and private sectors.
During this event, a space for dialogue and reflection on innovative strategies to strengthen ethics and transparency in customs management was promoted. The event, which had the support of entities such as Global Compact Network Uruguay and Association of Customs Brokers of Uruguay, highlighted the coordinated work between customs and the private sector, highlighting the importance of building relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
The event was structured in five exhibitions which addressed key issues related to integrity and transparency in the customs field. Lic. Maria Mercedes Cano Martínez, an integrity expert from the A-CIP Program of the World Customs Organization (WCO), opened the day with her presentation entitled «The art of combating corruption: WCO strategies to meet new challenges».
Then the Dr. Fabian Villarroel, WCO-accredited leadership and management development expert, presented «The private sector's perspective: role and responsibility», highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration in the fight against corruption.
Next, the Attorney Victoria Fontana, manager of the Association of Customs Brokers of Uruguay (ADAU), spoke about «A joint commitment: the responsibility of the private sector in customs ethics and transparency», highlighting the need for a shared ethical commitment among all actors in international trade.
The fourth panel was led by Fabian Mirror, coordinator of Collective Action Against Corruption of the United Nations Global Compact, who spoke about «Business Integrity: Key Trends and Challenges from the Global Compact Experience», offering innovative perspectives on the business role in building a more transparent environment.
Finally, eDr. Adrian Gutierrez, professor of Administrative Law at UDELAR and UCUDAL, closed the event with his presentation «Good practices in the exercise of public office», where he highlighted concrete examples of integrity in public administration as a fundamental pillar for citizen trust.
Commitment to transparency: concrete actions
At the end of the event, the Lic. Guzmán Guarino, from the Department of Institutional Communication, presented to the Cra. María Victoria Cornacchione, head of the Institutional Transparency Department of the National Customs DirectorateThe official highlighted the initiatives that the Uruguayan Customs Office is implementing in terms of transparency. According to her, success in this area requires the active participation of multiple actors, an approach that was also highlighted by Lic. María Mercedes Cano Martínez, integrity expert of the A-CIP Program of the World Customs Organization.
Since 2018, the National Customs Directorate (DNA) has adopted multiple initiatives to strengthen institutional integrity. Among the most notable is the signing of 11 memoranda of understanding with key players in foreign trade, such as the Chamber of Free Trade Zones and the Union of Exporters. These agreements aim to promote the development of sectoral codes of conduct - as pointed out by Attorney General Fontana -, strengthen the reporting of irregularities and consolidate confidence in the institution, reaffirming it as a pillar of transparency and ethics.
In this context, the National Customs Directorate has reviewed and actively promoted its Conduct Code, highlighting the importance of not limiting itself to its publication, but of ensuring both its effective application and its continuous updating.
Likewise, in coordination with the person responsible for institutional communications, Mr. Guzmán, communication programs have been implemented. training permanent for officials, with a focus on customer service and strengthening the fight against customs offences.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the system complaints of the DNA, designed to protect both anonymous and identified whistleblowers. Since 2021, its use has grown significantly, reflecting an increase in the confidence of citizens and foreign trade agents. This system guarantees the confidentiality of personal data, in strict compliance with current regulations, and establishes severe sanctions for those who violate this protection, as stated by Dr. Adrián Gutiérrez, professor of Administrative Law.
Regarding the transparency of the web portalAs highlighted by the head of Customs, DNA has established itself as a national benchmark, ranking second among 250 organizations evaluated. “Today we can proudly say that Customs, through its portal, makes detailed information on salaries, travel expenses, audits and other relevant data available to the public,” said María Victoria Cornacchione. This effort is complemented by the distribution of dissemination materials, such as QR codes, posters and other resources, which facilitate access to information and promote collective action.
The day concluded with a call for collaboration across all sectors, stressing the importance of joint actions based on transparency, openness, trust and mutual respect. “We must work to promote voluntary compliance and collective actions,” said Maria Victoria. She stressed: “This is essential to achieve more efficient and collaborative management, as stated by Dr. Fabian Villarroel, an expert in leadership development and management accredited by the WCO.”
The DNA expressed special gratitude to the National Director of Customs, Jaime Gorgiani, the exhibitors and the participants, whose enthusiasm exceeded expectations in this first edition. Looking ahead, this event is expected to be the starting point for new instances.
On this day of global celebration, the WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, He said it clearly in his message to the world: “The fight against corruption and the promotion of integrity cannot be limited to the realm of principles; they must be translated into concrete actions and tangible support”.
A reminder that integrity is the essential pillar for strengthening institutions and facilitating legitimate trade.Message from the Secretary General of the WCO)
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