G20

Young business leaders called to action on global economic issues

  • 30 July 2012
ICC Diversity in business

ICC Secretary General Jean-Guy Carrier urged young people to craft sustainable solutions for the future of the global economy during his keynote address at the Junior Chamber International’s Global Partnership Summit.

Taking place in New York, Junior Chamber International (JCI) President Bertolt Daems focused his opening remarks on the Summit’s theme, “JCI taking on the future”, underscoring the important role young people play in this partnership.

“It is our job to lead this collaboration and drive the change that will better our world for our future and the future of generations to come,”Mr Daems said.

Mr Carrier drew particular attention to the G20, and the role of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), as a crucial interlocutor for business in today’s rapidly evolving world. Issues being addressed by business in the G20 process are relevant to young people and their role in the future of business, he said.
“The message is that there is a clear need for JCI and its following of young business people to step forward with specific ideas for consideration by the G20 governments,” Mr Carrier said. “JCI is uniquely placed to work with ICC in formulating and advocating policy proposals that will favour job creation for young people.”
Many ideas shared by JCI’s leadership and members at the Summit were developed at JCI regional conferences in Brazil, Germany, Morocco and Hong Kong in recent months. At these events, JCI members gained a greater awareness of the G20 process from ICC representatives. Young business leaders and entrepreneurs in turn gave their perspectives on youth employment and entrepreneurship, development issues and green growth, all of which are being addressed within the G20 dialogue.

ICC and JCI leaders reminded delegates of their role as young active citizens. They encouraged them to bring their new ideas and perspectives back to their communities across the globe.

JCI and ICC have worked closely for more than a quarter of a century of cooperation on a variety of projects and joint initiatives to foster responsible entrepreneurship.

JCI is a worldwide federation of young leaders and entrepreneurs with a mission to contribute to the advancement of the global community. It aims to achieve this by providing the opportunity for young people to develop the entrepreneurial and leadership skills needed to generate positive changes in their communities, their countries and the world. Its network comprises approximately 6,000 communities in more than 100 countries worldwide.

This global network connects JCI members from around the world, empowering them to run international projects, exchange ideas and work together to develop new ways to create positive change in their communities.

JCI is a permanent member of the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) General Council, and a member of its Transnational Chamber Board. Through its partnership, JCI Local Organizations collaborate with local chambers of commerce and ICC national committees to collaborate on projects to advance global economic progress and encourage entrepreneurship.

Read more about the JCI Summit