Doubling attendance

With 1,600 business representatives from 118 countries, the Congress in Istanbul, Turkey, set new records, doubling attendance from the previous event.Speakers included Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who told delegates that global poverty could be eradicated easily and that business people could play a vital role by creating “social businesses” or projects whose principal aim is to achieve social good.

Promise of globalization

Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright called on delegates to translate the promise of globalization into the reality of a better life for people around the world. Ms Albright said: “There is a sense that the world agenda has been hijacked and that the rule of law is being subverted by those who believe in no rules at all. There is increasing anxiety on topics we are discussing today, such as war, terrorism, diseases, climate change and natural disasters – as highlighted by many recent events. We need leaders who will manage the realities of the risks – whether in businesses or in government – to minimize the dangers and maximize the opportunities.”

Delegates came from war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Sudan, as well as from a wide range of developing and developed economies including Brazil, China, Finland, India, Iran, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, Venezuela, Vietnam and Zambia.

The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) was the host of this Congress. TOBB is the highest level entity in Turkey representing the private sector. Through this network. TOBB unites 1,300,000 firms from all sectors and regions.

TOBB is a leading partner in Turkey of ICC, hosting its national committee. It also actively works with transnational chamber organizations including Eurochambres, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Association of Black Sea Zone Chambers of Commerce and Industry, ECO Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Association of Balkan Chambers.

For more information on TOBB:
Telephone: +90 312 218 2000
E-mail: info@tobb.org.tr
Website: www.tobb.org.tr