ICC Netherlands yesterday hosted a roundtable discussion with leading European Union climate change negotiator Maas Goote ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Copenhagen.

The fruitful exchange promoted a better understanding of key issues in advance of Copenhagen. As business and industry focal point for UNFCCC negotiations, ICC and its national committees worldwide have engaged in a deep dialogue with governments to ensure world business concerns will be met in Copenhagen.

Laurent Corbier, Chair of the ICC Commission on Environment and Energy opened the roundtable by calling on governments to reach an agreement in Copenhagen on a post 2012 framework that will provide business with a clear, predictable framework to stimulate investment in technologies and enable a transition to a low-carbon economy.

ICC Netherlands Chairman Kees van der Waaij said “On climate, times are very challenging, for governments and all actors in society. Business is prepared to play its role and contribute to a better climate. But business needs an effective long-term global agreement, with all nations aboard. This is vital to ensure a level playing field and avoid international trade issues.”

Maas Goote stressed the importance of continued dialogue with business. “The role of business is key, not just in the lead-up and in Copenhagen but also in the post-Copenhagen implementation period,” said Mr Goote.“It is vital for ICC to engage business colleagues in developing countries.” He added governments saw the importance of public financing mechanisms, allowing private investments to flow.

ICC has stressed the need for specific signals and new market mechanisms to mobilize financial and technological resources in developed and developing countries. Clarity, predictability, continuity, environmental integrity for markets, and close cooperation with the private sector is essential. Solutions to global climate change require broader dissemination of existing low-carbon technologies, the demonstration and deployment of breakthrough technologies, and increased research and development leading to innovative technologies of the future.

During the meeting participants reiterated that business:

1. Needs to be vocal and at the table, especially on the role of markets and mechanisms

2. Must engage developing countries as highlighted in the 1 October ICC Thailand event in Bangkok (please click here  to read more)

3. Increase dialogue on technology development and deployment, stressing the vital role of intellectual property rights in this regards

4. Stress the importance of adaptation, especially for vulnerable developing countries

5. Needs a global agreement in Copenhagen to avoid competitiveness issues

Continuing on the road to Copenhagen, ICC will convene business experts from its Commission on Environment and Energy, from 21-22 October, to finalize plans for ICC activities at COP15. In addition to the commission meeting, ICC will host a Business Preparatory Conference for COP 15 on 23 October in Paris to coordinate activities among the business community.