The 13^th World Chambers Congress (WCC) recently concluded at Palexpo in Geneva. This event brought together nearly 1,500 participants from 117 countries and featured 165 speakers, focusing on the theme of "Multilateralism in Service of Peace and Prosperity."

Organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the World Chambers Federation (WCF), and the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIG), this event aimed to foster partnerships and global business opportunities. Held every two years, it provided chamber of commerce leaders and professionals with the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and expand their networks.

Renowned speakers such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, attended to share their vision on diversity, its impact on growth, the role of innovation, and the importance of sustainability for the future.

"The Congress showcased the spirit of Geneva, the capital of multilateralism, in favour of peace and prosperity. This essence was enshrined in the adoption of the Geneva Manifesto. As the most significant event ever organized by the CCIG in its 158-year history, the World Congress also invigorated the Geneva economy, with significant economic benefits," said Vincent Subilia, Director-General of the CCIG.

Three intense days of debates on multilateralism, inclusion, and innovation

At the opening of the day dedicated to the theme "Demystifying Multilateralism," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, called for a rethink of globalization to make it beneficial for all and emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation to address global economic challenges. "We must push back against pressures for global economic fragmentation, which would be costly and potentially weaken supply chain resilience," she stated. "A better way forward is what we call 're-globalization': deeper and more dispersed markets achieved by bringing more people and places from the margins of the global economy into the mainstream." She also urged business leaders to support "digital globalization."

Philippe Varin, President of ICC France, echoed these remarks by emphasizing the importance of multilateralism in fostering the technological innovation required to address major challenges such as climate change, while improving the prosperity of the global population as a whole.

The second day, dedicated to innovation for all, highlighted the significance of continuous innovation for businesses, especially micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Sustainability was at the heart of discussions on the third day. The reputation risk associated with environmental crimes in the supply chain was emphasized, and companies were encouraged to exercise due diligence to preventing them.

Multilateralism for a prosperous 21^st century

Multilateralism is more essential than ever, according to Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva. However, she highlighted the need to include the voices of more member states and marginalized groups to ensure greater inclusivity. Panellists agreed that the private sector must play a key role in shaping global governance rules, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that represent 90% of global trade. To promote global growth, it is crucial to connect SMEs to the benefits of international trade. However, as Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President of Dubai Chambers, pointed out, there are obstacles that limit their access, such as the lack of a unified export system, information disparities, and high import duties. One potential solution is digitization.

Digital transformation, the key for SMEs to access the global market

During the session "Facilitating Trade: Building Partnerships for Global Growth," moderated by Barbara Ramos, Head of Research and Export Strategy at the International Trade Centre (ITC), the speakers Arancha González, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs (PISA), Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President of Dubai Chambers, and Eric Loeb, Executive Vice President of Salesforce, highlighted the benefits of digital trade: faster, cheaper, transparent, and accessible exchanges for all. This is particularly important for emerging markets where economic opportunities are often lost due to reliance on paper-based systems. Digitization can act as an equalizer for small-scale organizations, enabling them to access the same platforms as large companies. Artificial intelligence can play a crucial role in helping SMEs access information and expertise. However, as noted by Arancha González, the fragmentation of the digital space and the lack of technological skills can pose additional challenges. Promoting data sharing and interoperability is also essential.

The implementation of digital trade also requires the adoption of universal standards for the legal recognition of digital documents, for example, through the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records. G20 countries are actively working on the necessary regulatory reforms and committing to trade agreements that promote digitization. As the speakers noted, while currently only 1% of global trade is digital, digitization will simply be inevitable in the not-so-distant future.

Effective protection of intellectual property for all

The protection of the value of innovative achievements was at the centre of the session titled "Innovation by All and for All." The access of SMEs to the knowledge and conditions necessary to protect their intellectual property rights is far from optimal. However, for these businesses, the financial consequences of not protecting their intellectual property rights can be fatal. Economist at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Piotr Stryszowski emphasizes regarding counterfeiting: "For large companies, it means less revenue, less profit. For an SME, it means a huge risk of bankruptcy."

According to Christina Wainikka, an expert at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, the vast majority of SMEs do not seek to register their intellectual property, "and in many ways, it is the fault of those who are supposed to facilitate this process. Because we often talk about intellectual property rights in very abstract terms instead of presenting them for what they are: a sales opportunity; a chance to provide additional concrete value."

The protection of intellectual property is of particular importance in the African context. Registration has increased by 10% in recent years, indicating a growing awareness of the economic value of intellectual property and its role in promoting innovation and economic growth on the continent. Rebecca Enonchong, a Cameroonian tech entrepreneur, notes that developing countries tend to be seen as beneficiaries of innovation rather than providers of innovation. "And that is obviously not true. It is about harnessing existing talent and preserving their achievements. This means, above all, developing policies and mechanisms to protect SMEs when they compete with large companies. Because the current reality is that these companies simply outpace them and outspend them," she said.

Daren Tang, Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), calls for "a more inclusive intellectual property ecosystem, especially for women, youth, startups, and SMEs, which represent 90% of businesses and provide 70% of jobs worldwide." Chambers of commerce also have a crucial role to play in raising awareness and providing training to SMEs on the effective protection of their rights, as well as supporting them with access to specialized resources and advice.

The role of the private sector and the adoption of best practices

The panellists agreed that the private sector must play a major role in adopting best practices and shaping global governance rules. As small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 90% of global trade, it is important to amplify their voices, stated Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the ITC.

Corporate responsibility in the supply chain was seen as an opportunity to promote global prosperity by integrating responsible practices. Transparency, traceability, and the use of blockchain technology were highlighted as key elements for sustainable supply chains.

Exceptional achievements awarded, an opportunity for Turkey to shine

Outstanding achievements by Chambers of Commerce from around the world were recognized through the presentation of four awards. The Auckland Business Chamber of Commerce won the "Best Partnership Project" award for its project focusing on mental health and well-being of business leaders, while the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce was awarded in the category of "Best Unconventional Project" for its innovative project utilizing solar energy, creating jobs, and reducing CO2 emissions.

Turkey claimed the other two awards: the "Best Chamber Model Innovation Project" distinction was won by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce for its innovative project offering services tailored to the needs of its members, and the Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce received the "Best Gender Equality Project" award for its project promoting the autonomy of women entrepreneurs. These successes demonstrate the dynamism of Turkey and highlight the crucial role of Turkish Chambers of Commerce in the country's economic and social development.

It is worth noting that Chambers of Commerce from the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (Austria) were among the finalists in the "Best Chamber Model Innovation Project" category for its project “Commercial Approach to Anti-Corruption”, Dubai Chambers (UAE), for its project Intelligent Certificate of Origin and Business NSW (Australia) for its project Business NSW Critical Response Business Hub.

A very Swiss closing ceremony

During the closing ceremony of the congress, Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Swiss Confederation, addressed an attentive audience. Her speech, filled with significance and support, aimed to demonstrate the Swiss government's commitment to the private sector, acknowledging its essential role in the country's economic prosperity

To mark the end of the congress, Barbara Klossner ignited the audience by performing songs in Swiss German, including the famous Swiss traditional chant called "yodel." She captivated the audience by inviting them to join her in an energetic dance, creating a friendly and lively atmosphere.

Recommendations for a better and more prosperous future for all

The congress provided an opportunity to formulate recommendations aimed at strengthening international cooperation, promoting equitable access to economic opportunities, combating inequalities, fostering digital transformation, and promoting responsible innovation. By signing the "Geneva Manifesto," the organizers of the Congress committed to redoubling efforts to make a difference in the real economy in favour of economic inclusion, global cooperation, and sustainable development.

These recommendations highlight the importance of innovation in ensuring a sustainable future. It is crucial to invest in research and development and foster forward-thinking. The use of artificial intelligence was emphasized as a means to find innovative solutions in various sectors, including nutrition, while considering long-term environmental and social consequences. Actively promoting the role of innovation through public-private partnerships and communication and awareness campaigns was suggested. By investing in sustainable solutions and embracing a culture of innovation, a better and more prosperous future for all can be shaped.

Next World Chambers Congress in two years in Melbourne

With gratitude to all participants, the CCIG officially handed over the reins to the co-organizer of the 14^th World Chambers Congress, which will take place in Melbourne, Australia, in September 2025. It promises to continue bringing together economic leaders and stakeholders from around the world and promoting international cooperation and economic innovation.