Countdown to the World Chambers Congress commences 

Attracting 1,500 participants from over 100 countries, the Congress is the biggest, most diverse economic forum for chamber and business executives to exchange experience and examine the issues affecting people, their livelihoods and our planet.  

Marking the three-week countdown to the Congress, ICC’s World Chambers Federation and the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Industry have confirmed the participation of Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization, and Michel Barnier, former EU chief negotiator for Brexit. 

Other prominent speakers include Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, Maria Fernanda Garza, ICC Chair and CEO of Orestia, Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Economy, Ukraine, Giuseppe Lavazza, Chairman of Lavazza, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Soren Toft, CEO of MSC. 

On the opening day of the Congress, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO will discuss the current state of play of multilateralism in disruptive times with Founder and Executive President of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab and Chair of Esquel Group Marjorie Yang. 

Mr Denton said:

“Chambers of commerce play a pivotal role in driving effective multilateral cooperation that improves lives and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide. In Geneva, we will focus on the global governance now needed to shape a modern global trading system. A system fit for purpose which will enable sustained economic growth for everyone, everywhere, every day.”  

In addition to showcasing the impactful role chambers play as a pioneering provider of tools and services to support business and trade, the Congress stage is also set to celebrate key milestones for globally recognised ICC and chamber services that contribute to an effective international trading system. These include the 60^th anniversary of ATA Carnets, the 10^th anniversary of Certificates of Origin and the 100-year anniversary of the ICC International Court of Arbitration. An engaging business programme has also been curated to reflect key themes of the Congress: multilateralism, innovation and sustainability.  

Vincent Subilia, Director General of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services, said:

“We look most forward to welcoming you all in Geneva in 20 days for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Do not miss this truly unique event, gathering 120 plus leading speakers, in the cradle of multilateral governance, and capital of peace.” 

Chamber innovation will be under the spotlight when finalists of the 2023 World Chambers Competition present their projects during dedicated Congress sessions for each category of the 2023 competition – Best Chamber Model Innovation Project, Best Gender Equality Project, Best Partnership Project and Best Unconventional Project – with opportunities for Congress participants to vote for their preferred projects in this year’s Competition categories.  

Nicolás Uribe Rueda, Chair of the ICC World Chambers Federation, said:

“Chambers of commerce worldwide work to benefit real economies and communities. They are a vital voice for micro-, small-, and medium-sized businesses in the global economy and a practical enabler of cross-border trade, pushing for more inclusive and sustainable economies while advancing goals to enable peace and prosperity through multilateralism. Our World Chambers Congress in Geneva will both exemplify this vital role and strengthen it.” 

It’s not too late to register for the Congress. Visit our dedicated 13^th World Chambers Congress website to register or to browse our full programme.  

Media representatives interested in registering for the event should contact: 

Dawn Chardonnal – Head of Global Communications, ICC