How businesses can drive outcomes at the World Chambers Congress

On the surface, global brands such as Google, Nestle, Lavazza, Santander and Turkish Airlines may not have an obvious link. But they all have previously united under the Chamber movement with countless SMEs from nearly every continent, informing and inspiring other businesses, chambers and governments for the last 26 years through the ICC World Chambers Congress.

Spanning cities such as Geneva, Doha, Durban, Kuala Lumpur and Mexico City, the World Chambers Congress, a veritable ‘Business Olympics’, is now approaching its 14th edition in Melbourne, co-hosted by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce (VCCI), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and its World Chambers Federation (WCF) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

Eight years after Sydney hosted the 10th World Chambers Congress, attended by 1,000 business, chamber and political leaders from more than 100 countries, the World Chambers Congress will once again unite in Australia to address economic issues, foster prosperity and create a legacy for future generations in areas such as geopolitical relations, skills, artificial intelligence, cyber security, energy transition, equality, and health and life sciences.

Past highlights

Previous editions of the Congress have heard from inspiring leaders and led to collaboration and agreements on key projects for businesses and populations.

• At the 7th World Chambers Congress (Mexico City, 2011), Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Coca-Cola Chief Executive Muhtar Kent delivered keynote speeches; the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) emphasised the role of SMEs in a green economy transition, while ICC and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) agreed to collaborate on trade, investment and sustainable development.
• At the 11th World Chambers Congress (Rio de Janeiro, 2019), the International Trade Centre (ITC) introduced the Global Trade Helpdesk, a market intelligence platform for SME. The launch of the Chambers Climate Coalition called on joint climate action, while the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) introduced a new “how-to” guide for chambers to combat corruption.
• At the 12th World Chambers Congress (Dubai, 2021), the first hybrid Congress due to COVID-19, a special Chambers 4.0 White Paper provided insights for future sustainability, supply chains, the role of SMEs and the digital workforce.
• At the 13th World Chambers Congress (Geneva, 2023), World Economic Forum (WEF) Founder and Executive President Klaus Schwab highlighted the need to foster peace, prosperity and opportunity for all. Giuseppe Lavazza, Chairman of Lavazza, showcased how the Lavazza Foundation has lifted livelihoods for 180,000 coffee growers across 21 countries over 53 projects. The Congress also marked the digitisation of ATA Carnets – the passports of goods – streamlining customs procedures for international trade.

Other previous speakers have included United Nations (UN) Secretary General António Guterres, Former French Prime Minister Michel Barnier, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Secretary-General Mathias Cormann and World Bank President Ajay Banga.

Melbourne opportunities

Businesses and chambers can now unlock a rare opportunity to gain global exposure and expand their influence through tailored Congress sponsorship packages.

The event will deliver keynotes by thought leaders in business and politics, multiple specific networking opportunities, high-profile participants, deep-dive sessions on current topics and outcomes-based contributions.

The Congress also features the World Chambers Competition, this year comprising the following categories:

• Best chamber innovation project
• Best out-of-the-box project
• Best green transition project
• Best diversity and inclusion project
• Best collaboration of chambers, business and government project.

Business can align with the Congress to support these sessions, competitions and exhibitions to showcase their brand to a global audience.

Three tiers of sponsorship deliver high brand visibility in the exhibition space, provide unparalleled networking opportunities and access to decision-makers, offer exclusive speaking opportunities – and much more!

We can tailor our packages to be industry-specific and fitted to your needs.

Contact us today at info@14wcc.au to explore how sponsorship can help you achieve your goals at the 14^th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne.