World Chambers Federation
ICC, WCF encourages youth and entrepreneurship with annual award
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation (WCF) has honoured the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Legazpi Dawani—an all women organisation based in the Philippines—for its economic development efforts. The award was presented at this year’s JCI World Congress, which took place from 6-10 November 2017 in Amsterdam.
The ICC Award has been part of the Congress for more than 25 years. The prize recognises the best JCI national or local organisation’s initiatives, which can be as diverse as international business cooperation and investment; business and trade development; public and private sector partnerships, including those of business associations and chambers; as well as executive training and professional development.
This year’s winning project, entitled “Dreamweavers: Think Local, Go Global,” addressed the financial needs of Presentacion, a municipality in the province of Camarines Sur, in the Philippines. Dreamweavers aims to strengthen the local economy while reducing climate change impact. This is accomplished by providing families affected by the monsoon and typhoon seasons with an alternative livelihood—an income generating weaving programme—as a means of financial support.
Mathieu Maes, Secretary General of ICC Belgium, represented ICC WCF at the event and said: “The partnership between ICC, WCF and JCI is now more important than ever. We will continue our combined efforts in bolstering young entrepreneurs so that they may take on more leadership roles and help tackle the concerns of the global economy.”
The JCI World Congress welcomed over 4,000 delegates from more than 115 countries. The 2017 edition focused on education, employment, social equality and climate change to promote the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr Maes was also a speaker of the JCI Partnering for Impact session, held on 7 November. Participants were informed about international partnerships happening throughout the world and how they can take action to champion the SDGs on a local level.
Additionally, Mr Maes had the opportunity to take the floor during the JCI General Assembly. He spoke of the long-standing history between ICC, WCF and JCI, a collaboration that fosters active global partnerships of a variety of programmes, including grassroots initiatives between local JCIs, chambers of commerce and ICC national committees that look to encourage youth and entrepreneurship.
JCI is a worldwide membership-based non-profit organisation for young active citizens aged 18-40 years of age. The organisation is dedicated to creating positive change and global sustainable impact through projects in more than 5,000 communities across more than 100 countries.