Online Course: Single Window Towards Cross-Border Paperless Trade: Overcoming Obstacles and Ensuring Sustainability

Offered by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and The World Bank Group (World Bank)

Why Take This Course?

Establishing a fully operational National Single Window (NSW) is a significant challenge. This course is designed to help participants learn and apply practical concepts, strategies, and techniques involved in developing and managing NSW towards cross-border paperless trade, ensuring transparency, predictability, and sustainability in implementation. Post-implementation challenges can significantly hinder the effective operation of the National Single Window. This course will offer targeted strategies, real-world solutions, and expert insights to ensure National Single Window thrives beyond the initial setup. The course will also discuss how to address interoperability issues, technical sustainability, governance gaps, and cybersecurity threats. 

Through a series of modules based on an interactive scenario-based learning approach, complemented by practical assignments and live sessions, participants will acquire essential skills and actionable strategies critical for the sustainable management and continuous improvement of National Single Window systems.  Each module will foster decision-making skills, ensuring inclusivity, accessibility, and relevance for senior leaders. Participants will benefit from direct contributions on various aspects of NSW development by recognized trade facilitation and Single Window experts and distinguished professionals from institutions like ESCAP, World Bank Group, UNCITRAL, UNCTAD, UN/CEFACT, WCO, ASEAN, and National Single Window authorities. 

Who Should Attend?

• Officials and technical experts who are actively involved in operating and further developing existing Single Window systems.
• Mid-to-senior level managers and policymakers responsible for sustainable trade facilitation and integration of the Single Window as part of broader trade facilitation reforms.
• Professionals with existing foundational knowledge in trade facilitation and Single Window implementation.

If you are relatively new to the topic of trade facilitation, it is suggested that you complete the Next Generation Trade Facilitation course. This course provides a foundational basis for trade facilitation measures that can enhance trade digitalization and support sustainable development.

Course Outline

The course includes 10 comprehensive modules, structured into 4 kits with detailed case studies and practical exercises:

Kit 1: Initial Assessment

• Assessing Single Window Systems
• Understanding Key Challenges

Kit 2: Frameworks & Governance

• Organizational Framework for Sustainability
• Legal Framework for Operations and Data Flows
• Financial and Business Models

Kit 3: Technical Sustainability & Change Management

• Technical Infrastructure Enhancements
• Cybersecurity Essentials
• Change Management and Business Process Re-engineering

Kit 4: Continuous Improvement & Integration

• Achieving Interoperability at the National Level
• Integration and Regional Single Window Challenges

Certification

This free course offers an official Certificate of Completion jointly issued by ESCAP and the World Bank. Upon successful completion, the certificate will demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in Single Window and cross-border paperless trade.

Important Dates

• Soft Registration/Expression of Interest Opens: June 2025
• Course Launch Event: November - December 2025
• Live Interactive Expert Sessions: Dates to be announced

Secure Your Spot

Register today and stay informed with updates leading up to the course launch.