World Chambers Congress comes to Rio de Janeiro

Organised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the ICC World Chambers Federation, and Brazilian Confederation of Trade and Business Association, the 11th World Chambers Congress takes place from 12-14 June and will examine some of the most pressing issues facing chambers and their respective business communities. They include global trade reform, digital transformation, climate change and sustainable development, and workforce skills development.

ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:

“The World Chambers Congress raises the collective voice of the global community of 12,000 chambers to address, from a grassroots perspective, global issues such as climate change and reforming the multilateral trading system, and to develop pioneering solutions for people and planet.”

The Congress takes place for the first time in Brazil under the theme “creating a shared future” and brings together chamber and business leaders from over 80 countries to discuss solutions that enable peace, prosperity and opportunity for all through private enterprise.

Previously held in Sydney in 2017, the Congress provides delegates a unique opportunity to gain insights from business leaders, chamber heads and policymakers from around the world.

Discussion topics over the next three days include:

• Fair and transparent markets
• Thriving in a low carbon economy
• Skills for the global economy of the future
• Blockchain
• Chambers as facilitators and partners
• The e-commerce revolution

Hamad Buamim, Chair of the ICC World Chambers Federation, said:

“Collaboration is key to our shared future: Collaboration among chambers, collaboration between the private sector and governments, collaboration among nations.”

A highlight of the Congress is the World Chambers Competition, a global awards programme that honours chambers for their innovation, creativity and services.

This year, 16 chambers from 11 countries will present initiatives under the following categories.

• Best Education and Training Project
• Best Unconventional Project
• Best SME and Entrepreneurship Development Project

Competition winners will be announced on the final day of the Congress, during the concluding Gala Dinner.

George Texeiro Pinheiro, President of CACB said:

“We are proud and honoured to welcome the global community of chambers to Brazil and are looking forward to three days of face-to-face meetings, workshops and networking at this unique event renowned as a highlight in the Chamber calendar.”