The 6th World Chambers Congress in Kuala Lumpur this June provides an excellent opportunity for chamber of commerce leaders to exchange ideas on how they are working with business and governments to meet the challenges of the worldwide recession.
Participants will also debate and exchange viewpoints on other global challenges, including the food, water and energy crises and the impact of climate change.
Organized by the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) and hosted by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), the Congress will take place on 3 - 5 June, bringing together the global community of over 14,000 chambers of commerce.
“This year the Congress takes on a special importance as it comes during the worst recession and financial crisis in many decades,” said Rona Yircali, Chair of the World Chambers Federation. “It will provide participants an invaluable opportunity to learn how others are coping and to coordinate action to help businesses get through this difficult period.”
“This Congress serves as a valuable reminder of the vital role chambers of commerce play in their communities, supporting local economic development and facilitating trade,” Mr Yircali added.
The Congress, which takes place every two years in a different region of the world, is the only international forum for chamber leaders to share experiences and best practices, develop networks and address the latest business issues affecting their community. It is essential that those wishing to attend register as soon as possible.
The Programme
The theme of this year’s Congress, “Leading sustainable growth and change,” will focus on how global trends in demographics, migration and industrialization are placing stress on vital resources such as food, water, and energy. There will also be plenary sessions on global challenges and the economic implications of climate change.
“The impending shortages in water supply, climate change, and the need to develop alternative sources of energy are worldwide and cannot be solved by one country or even a group of countries,” said Erik R. Peterson, Senior Vice President, Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “Business, with its capacity to develop products and services to resolve these problems, has a major role to play.”
Panellists will address issues including how governments, business, and civil society can best support a global climate regime and whether a connection exists between economic growth, trade liberalization, environmental protection and sustainable development.
In addition to the plenary sessions there will be 16 workshops divided into three tracks – business, development, and chamber issues. They will address the key challenges faced by businesses today, from the effects of globalization on small to medium-sized enterprises to corporate governance, counterfeiting, and empowering women in business.
Among the business workshops, one will examine how cities around the world are building strategic alliances to find sustainable solutions to the effects of sprawling urbanism. Another will look into the different types of partnerships that are being created between port authorities, chambers and local municipalities to support economic development and sustainability for their communities. A workshop on the possible solutions to governance issues faced by chambers of commerce and one on raising the visibility of women in business are also planned.
In the area of development, the workshops will focus on helping young people become entrepreneurs, maximizing the use of modern technology to improve the communication between members and partners, how business leaders should use the current crisis to transform their organizations and shape their futures, and the benefits of corporate social responsibility.
The chambers workshops will discuss how the chambers are helping businesses adapt to the challenges of climate change and the techniques to help chambers improve customer services.
One workshop will show the film Illicit: The Dark Trade, highlighting the links between intellectual property theft, counterfeiting and other illicit activities. There will be four workshops dealing with various trade documentation issues including ATA Carnets and Certificates of Origin.
Held for the first time in Southeast Asia, the Congress will feature an opening address by Malaysian Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
In addition to keynote addresses and sessions, participants will also have time to network and relax at the welcome reception, a dinner hosted by the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, and a gala diner.
The World Chambers Competition
The World Chambers Competition, the only global awards programme to recognize the most innovative projects undertaken by chambers of commerce and industry from around the world, will also take place during the Congress.
The awards recognize the best unconventional, small business, international and networking projects. A total of 47 entries have been received from 30 countries.
Registrations for the 6th World Chambers Congress are open. By registering online at
www.KL2009.com
, delegates can also secure accommodation and book tours in one easy visit.