One year on: revisiting the 8th World Chambers Congress

The 8th World Chambers Congress in Doha brought together chambers of commerce and their leaders from around the world to share, learn and build new networks of opportunity.

Hosted for the first time in the Middle East, the event attracted close to 2,000 participants from 109 countries.

Global leaders and experts from chambers of commerce, business and government were in attendance.

Major global non-governmental organizations were also involved.  “Chambers of Commerce play a vital role in the world economy,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his televised message to the opening ceremony.

Representatives of chambers from around the world turned out in force – including more than a few for the first time.

Over 26 sessions, participants shared in the latest findings on business issues that impacted their mission in their local communities.

These included education, small business, women in business, and adapting to a world in crisis.

“I felt it was my duty and job to make my government realize that women can be strong enough to change the economy. As we grow older, there is a need to leave a legacy for women entrepreneurs,” Malitlou Morojele, Past Chair, Lesotho Chamber of Commerce and Industry told the “Women mean business” session.

Chamber leaders also learned how to take greater advantage of traditional tools of their trade, such as ATA Carnets and Certificates of Origin, as well as how to maximize their organization’s full potential with sessions on membership, CEO succession, and digital advocacy.

The ever-popular World Chambers Competition, the only global awards programme to recognize the most-innovative projects undertaken by chambers of commerce and industry around the world, received entries from 65 chambers.

Well done Auckland Chamber, finalist in world Chamber competition #8wccpic.twitter.com/eqbDwYgsgo

— John Christie (@JohnChristieNZ) April 25, 2013

Twenty-five finalists during five different competition categories presented their innovative projects, showcasing their efforts to remain relevant and serve the development of their small- and medium-sized business.

The Congress was preceded by ICC’s World Trade Agenda Summit. The Summit enabled business leaders, policy makers and participants to exchange in discussion about the business priorities for effective 21st century trade and investment policy.

The Congress included many social, networking and cultural activities too, such as an Arabian cultural evening.

Thanks to an unprecedented level of coverage over our website and social media, participants, delegates, speakers, sponsors and organizers, along with the general public, could share and enjoy the entire event on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Flickr.

In all, the 8th World Chambers Congress was:

• 1848 participants
• 109 countries
• 26 sessions
• 153 speakers
• 136 exhibitors
• 5 competition categories

So what can you expect from the 9th World Chambers Congress in Torino?

Find out on our website and on social media via the hash tag at #9WCC.

The 9WCC will be held in Torino, Italy from 10-12 June 2015, and is co-organized by ICC World Chambers Federation and the Torino Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture.