Trading Thoughts with Paul Polman, ICC Chair and Co-founder of IMAGINE

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While the economic and social consequences of COVID-19 are severe, policymakers, business leaders, and citizens can not afford to lose sight of the ongoing climate and environmental crises that are impacting our world.

With a host of important climate events and negotiations, such as COP26, postponed until next year, how can the world unite to pursue ambitious climate policies and build back better toward a green economic recovery?

Paul Polman is the Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce, and co-founder of IMAGINE, a new organisation which mobilises business leaders around tackling climate change and global inequality. From 2009-2019, Mr Polman was the CEO of Unilever, where he received widespread recognition for his implementation of sustainable, ethical, and responsible business culture. He was also a member of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General’s High-Level Panel, which developed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and as an active SDG Advocate he continues to work with global organisations and across industry to push the 2030 development agenda.

Learn more about ICC’s campaign to Save Our SMEs and the OECD’s policy responses to COVID-19.

Check out all of the episodes of Trading Thoughts:

EPISODE 6: Trading Thoughts with Angel Gurría, the Secretary General of the OECD

Angel Gurría, the Secretary General of the OECD, joins us to discuss what steps policymakers can take to respond to the economic and social consequences of COVID-19.

EPISODE 5: Trading Thoughts with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation

María Gabriela Díaz, Project Manager, Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and Amgad Shehata, Senior Vice President of International Public Affairs and Strategy, UPS, and a member of the Alliance’s steering group, discuss how the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation is tapping into the skills, expertise, and resources of business, to advance development solutions for all.

EPISODE 4: Trading Thoughts with Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland

Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Chair of the Elders, explains how COVID-19 is impacting small businesses and why the world needs to confront climate change with COVID-19 urgency.

EPISODE 3: Trading Thoughts with Dorothy Tembo, Acting Executive Director for the International Trade Centre

Dorothy Tembo, the Acting Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, explains how COVID-19 is impacting small- and medium-sized businesses in developing economies and what steps governments can take to assist them.

EPISODE 2: Trading Thoughts with John WH Denton AO, ICC Secretary General, and Quin Carthane, ICC Chief of Staff

Businesses and governments are introducing new measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. Offices are transitioning to virtual workspaces, governments are closing borders, hospitals are overburdened, and medical supplies are under threat.

John W.H. Denton AO, ICC Secretary General, and Quin Carthane, ICC Chief of Staff, discuss what steps the world business organization is taking to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and provide businesses, governments, and citizens with hope during these challenging times.

EPISODE 1: Trading Thoughts with Gabriel Petrus, Deputy Director, ICC Membership & Services

Chambers of Commerce provide local businesses with essential services to grow, develop, and prosper. From enhancing local economic development to stregthening links between markets, chambers of commerce sit at the heart of ICC’s mission and purpose.

Gabriel Petrus, Deputy Director, ICC Membership & Services, discusses what steps ICC is taking to stregthen the role of chambers of commerce in the 21st century.