World Chambers Federation

As a non-political, non-governmental body, WCF is the backbone of the chamber community providing a platform for chamber leaders to communicate and collaborate with each other on matters of mutual interest and facilitating beneficial partnerships.

WCF’s extensive chamber membership plays a pivotal role in connecting ICC to SMEs worldwide and in promoting the important role SMEs play in the global economy. Recognising this valuable role, WCF provides chambers with the support they need to help SMEs face the challenges and opportunities of globalisation.

WCF works to enhance chamber capacity to foster private sector development and has developed strong ties with a range of multilateral organisations, including the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and regional development banks.

WCF also works with other private sector groups to extend programmes of assistance and training for chambers of commerce, particularly from developing and least developed countries.

Initially called the International Information Bureau of Chambers of Commerce, WCF was renamed International Bureau of Chambers of Commerce in 1951, before adopting its present name in 2001.

The activities and projects of WCF involve local, regional, national, bilateral, transnational, as well as public-law and private-law chambers.

World Chambers Federation governance

World Chambers Federation members are eligible to serve on WCF's General Council (Governing Body), which sets the strategic direction and development of WCF's services.

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History of the chamber movement

The long history of the chamber movement can be traced back to 1599, when the term “chamber of commerce" appeared for the first time, in Marseille, France.

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Chamber partnerships and initiatives

A Transnational Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a group of chambers sharing a similar geographical region, economic grouping, cultural or language basis. Transnational chambers can be found in most regions of the world.

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World Chambers Congress (WCC)

The next ICC WCF World Chambers Congress will be co-organised with the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services in Geneva from 21 -23 June 2023.

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WCC Bid Guidelines

ICC WCF has seen chambers lining up to host the event which has become the international forum for chamber leaders to network and learn about new areas of innovation from their peers around the world. 

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World Chambers Competition

World Chambers Competition is organised by the ICC World Chambers Federation. It is the only global awards programme to recognise the most innovative projects undertaken by chambers of commerce and industry from around the world.

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