First hybrid World Chambers Congress kicks off

Under the theme, “Generation Next: Chambers 4.0”, the international chamber and business communities convene today to address today’s most pressing global issues.

By providing an open forum for discussion and promoting change through cooperation, the Congress will be a catalyst for socio-economic progress, helping chambers and their respective communities across the globe reach new heights as a pillar of support, inspiration and leadership.

Co-organised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), its World Chambers Federation (WCF) and Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the biennial event will provide delegates with the knowledge and skills necessary to turn digital disruption into opportunity for people and planet. Upon conclusion of this 12th edition, each delegate will have created a tailor-made action plan to develop new value for chambers, businesses and communities.

Commenting on the launch of the #12WCC, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said: “There is a palpable sense of wanting to seize the moment here at the #12WCC and forge a new future for chambers at such a pivotal point in time…”

In an opening address to Congress delegates, ICC First Vice-Chair Maria Fernanda Garza said: “If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything it’s that the world’s most pressing issues demand more than discussion. They require collaboration, strategic thinking and concrete action. As leaders, we must be prepared to innovate in the face of new and existing challenges and take bold action, together.”

Over the next three days, the #12WCC will feature 44 sessions with more than 80 speakers. From what delegates can do to shape Chambers 4.0 and how to survive and thrive in uncertain times, to how to innovate to deliver solutions for a brighter future for all, this year’s Congress is working to challenge what has been previously done and encourage delegates to imagine new possibilities to be more sustainable, digitally enabled and resilient.

Commenting on the pioneering programme,

Commenting on the pioneering programme, H.E. Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber and Chair of ICC’s World Chambers Federation said: “As the first World Chambers Congress to be hosted in the post-Covid era, the #12WCC in Dubai demonstrates how chambers of commerce are adapting to a new reality, pivoting their services and developing innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of their members. We are confident that Dubai will deliver a memorable Congress like no other that will offer a glimpse into what chambers of the future will look like.”

The Congress also features the 2021 World Chambers Competition finalists, where 16 pioneering chambers competing across four categories will present their projects under the categories: Best Digital Project; Best Resilience Project; Best Climate Action Project; and Best Unconventional Project. The Competition seeks to celebrate the achievements of these chambers while bringing their stories to a wider audience. In spotlighting the diversity and enterprise championed by the competing chambers, the Competition aims to enable change to make the world a better place. Winners will be announced on the final day of the Congress, 25 November.