5 ways ICC celebrated turning 100

Centenary events are set to take place in each region of the world, concluding in Mexico in March 2020. But in case you missed the launch celebrations, here are five ICC@100 highlights from our week:

1. ICC Centenary Summit

A celebratory ICC Centenary Summit took place on 28 May gathering corporate, political and civil society leaders to discuss private sector contributions to address global challenges, including world trade reform, climate change, rising inequality, digital inclusion and long-term market incentives.

The Summit opened with a video highlighting the work of the organization over the past 100 years speakers included ICC Chair Paul Polman, World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Azevêdo, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director of Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, OECD Secretary General Angel Gurría, United Nations Environment International Resource Panel Co-Chair Janez Potocnik, Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade and International Affairs Government of Brazil Marcos Troyjo and President of the Constitutional Council of the French Republic Laurent Fabius, Former Trade Minister of the Republic of Indonesia Mari Pangestu and Chief Executive Officer of Perlin.net Dorjee Sun.

In his welcome remarks to Summit participants ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said: “How we respond to…challenges of our time will determine the mark we, as one ICC leave on this century.”

See tweet highlights from the discussions.

2. ICC Declaration on the next century of global business

During the Summit ICC issued a business declaration on behalf of 45 million companies worldwide.

The Declaration sets out a vision to shape the future of global business for the next century, mirroring the declaration issued 100 years ago by ICC’s “Merchant of Peace” founders. It sets out guiding principles for ICC as a purpose driven international organisation, working with renewed purpose to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere.

By way of the declaration, ICC commits to using the full extent of its resources and global network to tackle 21st century challenges, including working to preserve and modernise the global trading system and mobilizing business to keep the global temperature increase below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

3. Inaugural Knowledge Solutions Assembly

Held on the eve of the ICC Centenary Summit, ICC’s first ever Knowledge Solutions Assembly took place on Monday. Bringing together ICC members and Knowledge Solutions staff the Assembly unveiled ICC’s work programme for achieving real change at scale on current and emerging issues from protecting the planet to ensuring decent work and economic opportunity for all.

“ICC and the global business community can—and must—do more as a force for good in the world,” said ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO. We will respond to this imperative with brave and bold action to meet the ambition of our renewed purpose to enable business to secure peace, prosperity and opportunity for all.

4. A party to remember

An after Summit cocktail reception featured addresses from former ICC Chairs Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of SEB and Victor Fung, Chairman of Fung Group.

Adding to the celebratory ambiance, staff members gave a live performance of the ICC@100 flash mob dance, recorded earlier in the month, to entertain guests!

5. Knowledge sharing with colleagues

Colleagues from ICC national committees around the world took the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences at dedicated working sessions held at ICC Global Headquarters on 29th May. Discussions focused around ICC’s new work programme as well as upcoming activities, including the launch of Incoterms® 2020, next month’s 11th World Chambers Congress and ICC Dispute Resolution developments.

The sessions also unveiled winners of ICC’s National Committee Initiative of the Year Award. ICC Brazil was recognized as the global winner for its participation in the development of an Artificial Intelligence tool for Trade Negotiations.

Follow ICC@100 celebrations by searching #ICCat100