World Chambers Congress
14th World Chambers Congress key takeaways
The 14th World Chambers Congress took place from 2-4 September 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, uniting more than 1,000 business, chamber and government leaders from 100 countries. Under the theme Business, government, chambers: Partners for prosperity, the Congress explored how fostering collaboration among businesses, chambers of commerce, and governments can drive economic growth and prosperity.
Day 3 highlights – Leading with purpose
4 September
The concluding day of the 14th World Chambers Congress brought together powerful stories of leadership, creativity and collaboration, setting the course for the future of chambers worldwide.
Our leadership in a changing world plenary kicked off Day 3, underscoring the benefits of the ongoing shift from command-and-control leadership styles to leading with purpose, authenticity, empathy, generosity and a sense of service. Featuring inspiring stories from Sally Guyer (World Commerce and Contracting), Gönül Serbest (Global Victoria), Mimmie Watts (Federation University Australia) and Demetris Skourides (Republic of Cyprus), participants heard the need for leaders of tomorrow to connect across cultures, generations and perspectives, and pinpointed inclusion and collaboration as keys to unlock innovation.
“My journey taught me that our greatest asset in this interconnected world isn’t just our expertise and perspective. True leadership is about creating the space for more of us to shine.” Mimmie Watts, Associate Professor, Federation University Australia
Big games, big business impact
Performance in the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games is as important as the performance on the sports field. With the Games heading to Brisbane, Australia, in 2032, our final keynote session of the Congress revealed how business, government and chamber collaboration not only makes for a successful event but is also a catalyst for transformation. The keynote, by Olympic champion Kieren Perkins OAM and Brisbane 2032’s François-Xavier Bonnaillie, shed light on how chambers can help businesses make the most of opportunities and offered lessons in scale, legacy and prosperity that extend far beyond the sporting arena.
“Big games are not just for big companies. The games help to bring local businesses of all sizes to another level. Chambers, therefore, are needed to support and train these small companies for the big opportunities coming.” Francois-Xavier Bonnaillie, Chief Commercial Officer, Brisbane 2032
Chamber excellence and best practices
World Chambers Competition finals saw presentations in the Best Diversity and Inclusion category. Finalists from Georgia, UAE, Colombia and Australia showcased their initiatives championing inclusion and representation across the business landscape. The competition finals concluded with the Best Out-of-the-Box Project category, which saw chambers from Sri Lanka, Germany, Belgium and Bolivia present their bold, unconventional approaches to expanding the boundaries of what chambers can deliver for their members and communities.
Continuing our series of focus sessions, today’s sessions tackled some of the most pressing issues facing business today. From innovation in life sciences and biotechnology, to SME matchmaking platforms, strategies for future-proofing the workforce through continuous learning and digital integration, the sessions offered global best practices and practical insights. These covered a wide range of topics – from operating a top-level domain to family business succession in Asia – all underscoring the ability of chambers to act as catalysts for progress.
In a thought-provoking “How-to” session, participants later learned how top-level Internet domains can unlock new opportunities for businesses, boosting digital visibility, brand protection and online security.
“Prosperity requires partnerships with chambers to connect business and governments: enabling policies that reflect real economic needs.” Contribution to the Guide to Prosperity
In our closing plenary, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) CEO Paul Guerra and incoming VCCI CEO Sally Curtain reflected on the impact of the Congress which brought together over 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries. The leaders highlighted collective insights shared across three days of dialogue underscoring the enduring power of the global chamber network to unite business, government and communities in shaping a more resilient and inclusive global economy.
The Congress concluded with a celebratory Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, revealing the winners of the 2025 World Chambers Competition. In a symbolic moment, the Congress baton was passed to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, who will host the 15th World Chambers Congress in Toronto in 2027.
“Over the past three days, we have learned something very important: chambers worldwide are stronger when we stand together. In a time of global uncertainty, it is solidarity, collaboration and innovation that make our network thrive.” Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Chair, ICC World Chambers Federation and President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye
As the curtains closed in Melbourne, delegates left inspired, connected and ready to carry forward the message that defined the Congress:
Prosperity is a shared endeavour, and chambers are leading the way!
Day 2 highlights – Accelerating progress to tackle our most pressing challenges
3 September 2025
The second day of the World Chambers Congress featured dynamic discussions on the green transition, digital innovation and the evolving role of chambers in empowering businesses to thrive in a changing world.
Starting the day’s action, Julian Kassum, ICC Deputy Secretary General – Network, launched the Chamber Benchmarking Tool, a first-of-its-kind global platform for chambers of commerce to measure, improve and showcase their performance, providing insights that drive chamber excellence, innovation and future readiness.
The day’s opening plenary on championing the green energy transition saw ICC Chair Philippe Varin and Eurochambres President Vladimír Dlouhý stressing the urgent need for collaborative decarbonisation strategies.
“The green energy transition is not only about accelerating decarbonisation and managing risk. It is about shaping a more competitive, resilient and equitable global economy. The stakes are high, but the gain is even greater. If governments, chambers and businesses work together, we can make the transition not only possible, but prosperous. This is the challenge before us. And it is also our opportunity of a lifetime.” Philippe Varin, ICC Chair
Awarding chamber innovation
Innovation took centre stage during the World Chambers Competition finals, beginning with the Best Green Transition Project category. Finalists from chambers in Australia, Turkey, Germany and Denmark inspired delegates with their pioneering initiatives addressing climate challenges, underscoring the leading role of chambers worldwide. More innovation was on display during the finals of the World Chambers Competition Best Chamber Innovation Project category, featuring standout initiatives from chambers in the UK, Turkey, Serbia and Iran. Judges highlighted the value of adaptability and creativity in reimagining chamber services.
Our plenary on chamber leadership showcased how chambers are driving global solutions by sharing resources, aligning with governments and scaling impact through networks. The session featured Gary Litman (US Chamber of Commerce), Marie-Christine Oghly (ICC WCF Vice Chair), and Sun Xiao (China Chamber of International Commerce).
“Digital and logistics infrastructure support, capacity building and flexibility in legislation are crucial for SMEs to thrive. Multinational corporations who understand the importance of supply chain stability and governments who have the resources must work hand in hand to create these favourable conditions.” Marie-Christine Oghly, Vice Chair, ICC World Chambers Federation
Technology and transformation were recurring themes throughout the day. In a Congress plenary on AI in action, business leaders discussed how chambers and businesses can harness AI while mitigating risks such as bias, regulation and unequal access.
“SMEs are where innovation happens, where job creation happens. We need to move from AI as a buzzword to actual AI literacy and, at the same time, have to think about how to write the rules of the game that will create opportunities for SMEs to level up.” Rhett Buttle, Founder and CEO of Public Private Strategies
A series of How-to sessions offered participants practical guidance. The sessions covered:
- the new guide “Stronger together in emergencies” to strengthen SME preparedness in emergencies.
- A presentation on the WCF Sustainability Playbook for climate leadership.
- Innovative anti-corruption approaches.
- Ways to integrate AI into chamber operations.
The World Chambers Competition finals continued with presentations in the Best Collaboration of Chambers, Business and Government Project category, where finalists from Ireland, the UK, Italy and Austria shared inspiring examples of partnership in action.
Focus sessions in the afternoon gave delegates the chance to dive deeper into topics shaping the business landscape. From simplifying sustainability reporting to scaling clean energy, modernising ATA Carnet processes to unlocking SME opportunities through ICC One Click, sessions highlighted how chambers can serve as powerful catalysts for business growth.
“It’s important to see ICC One Click in conjunction with the chambers who adopt it. It’s a seamless mix of tools, resources and guides, with the customised services chambers provide to SMEs to prepare them for the rigours of operating in the global marketplace.” Ullas Marar, Head of the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship
Chambers driving AI transformation
From creating responsible AI policies that help employees make reasonable decisions to the ability to keep up with the pace of change, a forward-looking discussion on AI took place on Day 2 providing global perspectives on the impact of AI on businesses, workers and leadership.
Whether accelerating the green transition, driving technological adoption or championing fair and transparent business environments, our Day 2 message was loud and clear: Chambers must continue to lead through innovation, boldness and a collaborative spirit, not just to adapt to change but to shape the future of global prosperity.
Concluding on a note of optimism in our session looking at leadership for collaboration and progress, Nonkululeko Nyembezi, Co-Chair of the Business 20 (B20) South Africa, said events like the World Chambers Congress enabled participants to leave pessimism at the borders of their respective countries and realise other countries and cultures are grappling with the same issues and challenges but also the same aspirations and opportunities.
The sentiment was reflected in contributions to the Congress Guide to Prosperity, which continued to receive input on this second day of Congress action.
“True prosperity demands bold united action where business, chambers and governments align around innovation, digital trade and inclusive growth to unlock opportunities that transcend borders.” #14WCC Guide to Prosperity
Day 1 highlights – Building partnerships for prosperity
2 September 2025
Opening of the 14th World Chambers Congress
The 14th World Chambers Congress opened today with a strong call to build partnerships for prosperity, as delegates from around the world gathered in Melbourne to begin shaping a Guide to Prosperity, aimed at turning the energy and insights of the event into a lasting, shareable publication.
“I look at you with so much respect. You are welcome to my country. This country is your country.” Murrundindi, Ngurungaeta an Elder of the Wurundjeri tribe led a Welcome to Country for Congress participants, reminding us of the importance of heritage, inclusivity and respect as a foundation for global cooperation.
Event moderator Alicia Loxley introduced the Congress theme – “Business, chambers, and governments: Partners for prosperity” – setting the stage for an engaging, collaborative programme.
Premier Jacinta Allan MP and Victorian Chamber CEO Paul Guerra welcomed participants to Victoria, sharing how Melbourne and Victoria embody the spirit of collaboration, with unique opportunities for business, government and chambers to drive innovation and growth.
“Ultimately it’s the role of governments to make decisions, to implement policy, to drive change…but you only get those outcomes by listening to people and taking onboard a range of different advice.” Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria
Global challenges and business sentiment in 2025
Global challenges then took centre stage, with Mathias Cormann (OECD), Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah (Dubai Chambers), and Steven Marshall (American Australian Association) examining the ripple effects of geopolitical disruption on trade, currencies and entrepreneurship. Their discussion highlighted the resilience strategies that distinguish SMEs from large corporates – and why chambers play a crucial role in bridging that gap.
“To improve the outlook for global growth, to improve opportunities and living standards, first and foremost we need to get back to a higher level of policy certainty and we need to achieve a lasting resolution to trade tensions. And that can only be achieved through genuine, positive, outcomes focused engagement, bilaterally and multilaterally between governments around the world.” Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (OECD)
The official opening ceremony formally marked the beginning of the Congress, with leaders from ICC, the ICC World Chambers Federation and host chambers inviting participants to contribute their insights toward the Guide to Prosperity – a collective roadmap for the future. Underscoring the unique role chambers play as aggregate voices and translators between the public and private sectors, ICC Chair Philippe Varin emphasised the role of chambers and businesses in achieving prosperity and tackling global issues including climate action, digital transformation and trade turbulence. “We have the opportunity to help stabilise the current environment through pragmatic, action-oriented solutions,” Mr Varin said.
In his opening remarks, ICC Secretary General John Denton called on chambers to chart a course for a trade rulebook fit for the 21st century. Launching findings of the 2025 Chamber Pulse survey of 110 chambers globally, Mr Denton said: “The message is clear: business is adapting, but it needs a system it can trust. And that is our task.”
Collaboration and tools for prosperity
“The strength of the World Chambers Federation lies in the solidarity of its members. Chambers standing together, learning from one another and speaking with one voice in the face of global challenges… Together, we can build a Federation that not only responds to crises but also shapes a more open, fair and prosperous future.” Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Chair of the ICC World Chambers Federation and President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB)
During our Global Snapshot session Mr Denton sought perspectives from ICC’s chambers network across regions – from Ukraine to Nigeria, the UK to Australia – demonstrating both the diversity of challenges and the shared opportunities of collaboration.
During a pragmatic “How-to” session, ICC Chief of Staff Davide Cichero showcased practical tools that chambers and businesses can adopt to stabilise trade and leverage digitalisation and empower SMEs in an uncertain landscape.
Delivering a powerful keynote, Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner AC underlined the crucial role of government–business partnerships in building prosperity that is fair, inclusive and sustainable.
Trust and investment in the face of sweeping changes
The afternoon saw a high-level discussion on navigating geopolitics and the global economy, featuring Nonkululeko Nyembezi (B20/Standard Charter) and Shinta Widjaja Kamdani (Sintesa Group), who urged participants to embrace both resilience and agility as businesses face new uncertainties.
“In a world of rising walls, chambers must become the architects of open gates… Imagine a future where every chamber is not just a custodian of business interest but a creator of trust, a catalyst of innovation and a champion of inclusive trade. Here I stand for this vision: Trade powered by digitalisation, sustainability and inclusion as the ultimate engine of shared prosperity…And the time to start is now.” Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, CEO, Sintesa Group
Closing the day, leaders including Tom Robinson (Edelman), Whitney Y. Baird (USCIB) and Bernardino Moningka Vega (Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry) examined how trust and transparency are vital to attract investment and create stability in a rapidly changing world.
“Without trust the cost of doing business is too high: You are not given the benefit of the doubt, your ability to partner is limited, your stakeholder relationships are zero sum and we’re not able to move forward together. Trust… is vital for our institutions, our communities and for our markets to flourish.” Tom Robinson, CEO, Edelman, Australia
Day 1 was all about setting the scene, and as the day concluded, the message was clear: Prosperity depends on partnership – between chambers, business, and government – and together, delegates are already shaping a roadmap to turn this vision into reality.
“What we learned today is that we can and should be part of the solution… There is a global opportunity for all of us. The role that we play, what we can do, that interface between business and government, is why we exist. As we further understand that and further work out how to work with each other, the better we will be.” Paul Guerra, Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)
