Six highlights from the final day of #10WCC

Here are some highlights of the day.

1. What makes a good leader?

Leadership isn’t about our egos, it’s about our ability to learn and then unlearn so that we can re-learn again. This way we don’t carry on doing the same old thing, Umit Subasi, President of Campbell Arnott’s Asia-Pacific told participants at our plenary session on leadership today.

Former Prime Minister of Finland and ICC Board member Esko Aho said that good leaders are conceptual but are able to change concepts quickly in times of crisis.

Giving the social enterprise perspective, Parveen Mahmud, Managing Director of Grameen Telecom Trust said that the challenge for leaders was to be both empathetic and to have a sustainable business model.

2. Exhibition wraps up

The 10th edition of the World Chambers Congress was made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors: the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture; NSW Government; Qantas; the University of Sydney; and Torino Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture.

The University of Sydney is reaching out to the business community to help build skills applicable in the real world. “We’ve had a busy few days and have had lots of interest from delegates,” said Camilla Chau, Program Coordinator of the University’s Innovation Hub.

The Iran Chamber of Commerce said their exhibition booth was helping inform delegates of the potential investment and business opportunities with the country.

3. Social media

Congress activity hasn’t been confined to the meeting rooms and exhibition area. Our participants and organizing teams have been busy connecting and communicating, using the Congress hashtag #10WCC. Thanks to the Congress, the World Chambers Federation Twitter account has received well over 5,000 new profile visits. We’re looking forward to staying in touch with you all.

4. A call to action for chambers

In his closing remarks, International Chamber of Commerce First Vice-Chair John W.H. Denton AO called on chamber and business leaders to champion cross-border commerce and communicate the benefits of trade loudly and clearly, leveraging ICC’s #TradeMatters campaign. Mr Denton also urged Congress delegates to engage and collaborate to an unprecedented degree to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

On World Peace Day, World Chambers Federation Chair Peter Mihok encouraged nominations to the Business for Peace Awards and asked for help to identify leaders who demonstrate commitment to placing business at the heart of society.

5. Inspiring chamber projects

Chamber innovation was celebrated as winners of the 2017 World Chambers Competition were announced during the competition award ceremony, which took place as part of the Congress Gala.

Winners were named as follows:

Best education and training project
Hamburg Chamber of Commerce (Germany)

Best job creation and business development project
Business West Chambers of Commerce (United Kingdom)

Best unconventional project (joint first prize)
Chamber of Commerce of Pereira (Colombia)
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (United Arab Emirates)

Best CSR project
Brazilian Confederation of Trade and Business Associations (Brazil)

6. And finally…

After a very busy few days, the Congress gala dinner was an occasion for delegates to sit back and be entertained Australian style. The host for the evening was Australian television journalist, media personality and presenter Ryan Phelan who introduced Aboriginal Dance Troupe Koomurri, the Qantas Choir and stars of the TV programme The Voice, Australia.

Delegates also had a taste of the next edition of the Congress when Trevor Cariney, President of the New South Wales Business Chamber, handed over to 2019 co-hosts the Brazilian Confederation of Trade and Business Associations (CACB). We’re looking forward to seeing you there!