Kira Yevtukhova Archives

Robinson Covers BIAC General Assembly and OECD Ministerial Council Meetings

Published on June 21, 2023

USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson traveled to Paris earlier this month for the Business at OECD (BIAC) General Assembly and the OECD Ministerial Council. 

According to Robinson, one focus of the General Assembly was the release of its 2023 Economic Policy Survey, which revealed cautious but slightly optimistic business sentiment despite a tumultuous year.  

As per the survey, 57% of the responding national business federations from BIAC’s network regard the current business environment as “good”, compared to only 10% in the previous year. However, business concerns remain significant about energy prices (83%), food prices (61%) and overall geopolitical tensions (62%), and key challenges for companies include staff shortages (80%), increased cost of human resources (55%), and market uncertainty (57%).  

BIAC shared these results and the Economic Policy Survey with the OECD during the June 7-8 OECD Ministerial Council. The Ministerial was held under the theme, Securing a Resilient Future: Shared Values and Global Partnerships. BIAC’s insights included business concerns about the war in Ukraine, which has exacerbated inflation rate developments, labor shortages and energy prices. BIAC also raises concerns about supply chains disruptions, the need for structural reforms around infrastructure, digitalization, regulatory burdens and green transition. 

The Ministerial took place amid persistent tension in world affairs, including Russia’s illegal war in the Ukraine, which has resulted in insurmountable human suffering in the Ukraine, as well as humanitarian and economic crises globally. Additionally, economies around the globe continue to face challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and compounding challenges around climate change. 

“In light of these persistent challenges in the international system, we cannot underestimate the importance of multilateral cooperation,” said Robinson. “USCIB will continue working with the OECD, through Business at OECD, to support our common values and a rules-based order, overcome shared obstacles, and achieve societal and economic progress.” 

For more information on BIAC and the OECD Ministerial Council, please see the links below: 

BIAC Statement to the OECD on Securing a Resilient Future: Shared Values and Global Partnerships 

2023 Business at OECD Economic Policy Survey 

BIAC Year Highlights: How We Delivered Value to Our Members (May 2022-May 2023) 

Vinblad Delivers Business Statement for Final UNFCCC Global Stocktake Technical Dialogue in Bonn

Published on June 21, 2023

Policy Manager for Environment and Sustainable Development Agnes Vinblad served as head of the USCIB Delegation at the recent Session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB-58) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany, commonly known as the Bonn Climate Change Conference. According to Vinblad, these sessions serve as the most critical preparatory negotiating meeting ahead of Climate COP each year.

This year’s sessions of the SBs proved particularly challenging, marked by deep disagreements among Parties regarding the adoption of the agendas for the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA). According to Vinblad, these disagreements led to especially slow negotiations throughout the first week of the conference, with many Parties consistently calling out the fact that due to there being no adopted agendas, there was no formal mandate to move the negotiations forward.

Despite challenges, Parties eventually reached a compromise and managed to agree on the adoption of agendas on June 14. Being on the ground for the full duration of the negotiations from June 5 – 15, Vinblad emphasized that important progress was still achieved, for example the conclusion of the third and final technical dialogue of the Global Stocktake (GST), technical dialogues on the new finance goal (NCQG) and significant efforts to work towards consensus on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). For USCIB, negotiations on the GST were of special importance.

The first global stocktake of progress made on the goals set out in Paris Agreement will be one of the central mandates to deliver on for the COP-28 Presidency in Dubai later this year. Working closely with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Vinblad delivered the opening statement on behalf of the Business & Industry Constituency (BINGO) during the opening plenary for the third and final GST technical dialogue.

“Business views the global stocktake as a critical process to identify concrete actions that can be meaningfully implemented by Parties, business and other non-Party stakeholders, with a particular focus on measures for governments to undertake with regards to their domestic technical and policy work, with the ambition to agree on stronger NDCs centered on action”, said Vinblad in summarizing her remarks delivered in the Chamber Hall.

According to Vinblad, for the global stocktake to be effective, there will need to be clear outcomes accompanied by policy roadmaps for business on what interventions are needed down on a sectoral level. “This is what we hope to see at the end of this process,” she added.

USCIB Delegation Shares Progress Made on International Instrument on Plastic Pollution

Published on June 21, 2023
L-R: Agnes Vinblad (USCIB), Christian Gylstorff,(Novozymes A/S), Louise Smith (The LEGO Group), Chris Olsen (USCIB)

USCIB was well represented on the ground at the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-2). INC-2 was held May 29 to June 2 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

A USCIB delegation comprised of USCIB Policy Managers Chris Olsen and Agnes Vinblad, as well as USCIB members LEGO and Novozymes, followed the negotiations and attended a range of events throughout the week. Additional USCIB members attended the negotiations, joining through a panoply of other observer organizations, and the importance of involving the business community in the INC process was conveyed throughout the week.

According to Olsen, negotiations got off to a halting start, as procedural debates regarding the rules of procedure and the need for votes to finalize the INC bureau took a larger portion of time than had been expected, delaying the start of substantive deliberations in contact groups. However, negotiators did well to move past the early impasse and work tirelessly to get through enough substantive discussions for the week to conclude with a clear call for the INC chair to prepare a “zero draft” for consideration at INC-3, which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya this fall. The timeline for negotiations set out by UNEA Resolution 5/14 calls for an agreement to be reached by the end of 2024, leaving only a handful of negotiating rounds left for member states to develop the instrument.

Speaking on the importance of INC-3, Olsen stressed, “The zero draft will be where the rubber hits the road, for countries and for businesses alike. The potential scope and scale, objectives and substantive obligations, means of implementation and implementation measures… views on what will actually comprise the international legally binding instrument will be officially put down as text to be negotiated on. It is imperative that we at USCIB bring to bear as broad a cross-section of American industry views as possible to continue to inform this process.”

A host of side events took place leading up to and alongside the negotiations themselves, where USCIB actively engaged with governments, other stakeholders and key international affiliates. Among these were the UNEP International Forum to End Plastic Pollution in Cities, the U.S. Government’s event “Galvanizing Global Action on Plastic Pollution”, an OECD series “Towards an International Treaty on Plastics Pollution: Reflections on Selected Issues” and a high-level ICC Breakfast Roundtable that brought together UNEP staff, governments and global business voices.

“As U.S. business, we support and welcome an ambitious instrument aimed at working toward the elimination of plastic pollution in the environment,” said Vinblad at the conclusion of the week, “We stand ready to constructively support the process by bringing forth leading private sector voices representing a wealth of technical expertise, on-the-ground experience and best practices learned. We cannot solve this immense challenge through siloed efforts – it takes everyone being at the table.”

ILO Adopts New International Labor Standard on Apprenticeships

Published on June 16, 2023
Photo credit: Akustina Morni (IOE) Top, L-R: Luis Claudino de Oliveira (Chairperson), Amanda Brown (Vice Chairperson, Workers), Blaise Matthey (Vice Chairperson, Employers)
Bottom, L-R: Ali Bin Samikh Al Marri (President of the Conference), Gilbert Houngbo (ILO Director General)

New York, N.Y., June 16, 2023—The International Labor Organization (ILO) has adopted a new international labor standard, in the form of a recommendation, on apprenticeships, according to USCIB Director for Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Ewa Staworzynska.

Staworzynska is currently on the ground in Geneva representing U.S. employers at the 111th annual International Labor Conference (ILC). USCIB is the U.S. national committee of the International Organization of Employers (IOE).

The Standard-Setting Committee on Apprenticeships is a two-year process.  This is the second year of the Standard-Setting Committee. USCIB has participated in both years partnering and collaborating with the IOE to ensure that business needs and realities are reflected in the text.

We had great success in reaching a balanced approach, with special emphasis on the promotion of quality apprenticeships.

Photo credit: Akustina Morni (IOE)
L-R: Ryan Larsen (Walmart & USCIB CRLA Vice Chair), Sarah Morgan (U.S. Department of Labor), Thea Lee (U.S. Department of Labor), Adam Lee (U.S. Department of Labor)

USCIB was represented by Ryan Larsen, senior director for International Labor Relations at Walmart and vice-chair of the USCIB Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Committee (CRLA), taking part in the U.S. Employers delegation. Larsen participated throughout the Standard-Setting process.

In his remarks at the Plenary, where the draft text was submitted to the Conference for adoption, he noted that, “In this unique tri-partite system, we have developed a strategy, program, and approach to continually enhance Apprenticeships, ensuring that they provide workers with the necessary skills to attain full, productive and freely chosen employment. Additionally, we have emphasized the importance of lifelong learning opportunities; promoting continuous skilling, reskilling and upskilling, which in turn contributes to the promotion of decent work and full employment.”

Larsen added that, “The promotion and development of quality apprenticeships not only lead to decent work but also provide effective responses to the challenges of the ever-changing world of work. These apprenticeships offer lifelong learning opportunities, enhancing productivity, resilience, transitions and employability.”

“USCIB has often advocated the critical role of quality apprenticeships,” said Staworzynska. “Quality apprenticeships support the development of business-ready skills, help realize the goals of inclusive economic growth and can advance the transition to the formal economy.” This new ILO standard provides non-binding guidelines for Member States to ensure quality apprenticeships.

According to the ILO, a glance around the world shows that an increasing number of countries are focusing on the development or improvement of apprenticeship systems and programs to address the challenges of changing labor market trends and the need for workers to retrain and upskill.

The ILC is currently taking place in Geneva June 5-16. Delegates from the ILO’s 187 Member States along with employers and workers have gathered to tackle a wide range of issues. In addition to apprenticeships, delegates have discussed a just transition towards sustainable and inclusive economies as well as labor protection.

About USCIB: The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) advances the global interests of American business. We do so through advocacy for an open system of world trade, finance, and investment, where business can flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare, and environmental protection.  We play a leading role in informing the negotiation and adoption of international labor standards, and in human rights, labor, and environmental   policy deliberations at the United Nations, OECD, and ILO, as the sole U.S. affiliate of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Business at OECD (BIAC) and the International Organization of Employers (IOE). In addition, USCIB is the only U.S. business organization with standing at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and is recognized at the UN Environment Program (UNEP), UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UN CBD).

USCIB Letter to OECD on Pillar 1 and DSTs Quoted in Tax Press

Published on June 14, 2023

USCIB’s advocacy on international tax policy was referenced in a recent Bloomberg article titled, US Seeks to Extend Digital-Tax Freeze as Global Deal Stalls. The article references a letter that USCIB submitted to the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration Director Manal Corwin, requesting the OECD to extend a moratorium on Digital Service Taxes (DSTs). USCIB raised several concerns about Pillar 1 including that a lack of extension of the moratorium poses a risk in triggering trade disputes with allies.

USCIB was also quoted in a Tax Notes article titled, US Trade Group Calls for Extending OECD Digital Tax Moratorium on the same topic. The article, which can be accessed behind a paywall, focuses on USCIB’s letter to the OECD and extensively quotes from USCIB’s letter.

“We encourage the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework to agree to an extension of the so-called DST standstill agreement, so that no new DSTs are enacted as the work moves forward,” said USCIB Vice President and International Tax Counsel Rick Minor.

USCIB Statement on the Revised OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct

Published on June 9, 2023

New York, N.Y., June 09, 2023—On June 8, OECD governments adopted the revised Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. USCIB and its members have long recognized and promoted the Guidelines as the most comprehensive, government-backed, voluntary practical framework for responsible business conduct. We proudly advocate for responsible business conduct and recognize the crucial role that businesses have in promoting sustainable practices. This revised version, however, promulgates new far-reaching expectations on companies, raising serious concerns about its practicality.

U.S. businesses have consistently demonstrated their leading role in corporate social responsibility, championing initiatives that drive positive change across industries worldwide. Our unwavering commitment to the highest practicable standards for responsible business conduct remains, and we stand ready to support and implement international cooperation across private and public sectors to prioritize sustainability, fair labor practices and social responsibility.

The 2022-2023 revision of the Guidelines has resulted in substantial, far-reaching, and sometimes unimplementable changes, significantly expanding the complexity, scale, and scope of expectations on multinational enterprises and other businesses, posing risks to the Guidelines’ serving as a practical, voluntary reference for companies. Our concerns encompass, among others, upstream and downstream due diligence for an expanded range of business relationships, even beyond contractual agreements, and new approaches on environment and climate change due diligence.

USCIB actively participated in all negotiation rounds as part of Business at OECD (BIAC), and we align with their views on the revised Guidelines. Along the process, we provided constructive, comprehensive, and consensus-based private sector inputs, and while we greatly appreciate the consultations and recognize that many of our comments were reflected in the text, we regret that the revision process was not more aligned with previous practice, when OECD institutional stakeholders co-drafted the text together with the OECD Secretariat, thus ensuring business buy-in.

We welcome the fact that the voluntary and aspirational nature of the Guidelines was preserved. However, we remain concerned that some new provisions might conflict with U.S. law, particularly the right of association for workers without employment relationships. In addition, this document should not be considered as a template for binding regulatory or legislative action at international, regional, national, or local levels.  Effective responsible business conduct legislation depends on laws that are practical and reflect views of the private sector along with realities on the ground. We stand ready to provide guidance and suggestions to governments in this respect.

Companies will need sufficient time to assess the newly introduced complexities. We stress the importance of a balanced approach to implementation, taking into account business realities and complex contexts, especially in states with significant institutional, rule of law or enforcement challenges.

This expression of serious concern should not be interpreted as a rejection of business commitment and action to advance human rights globally, tackle environmental challenges, promote good practices wherever it operates, and contribute to partnership and positive impact for people and planet. We remain committed to the highest responsible business conduct standards, while enabling, facilitating, and supporting conditions for business to thrive and contribute to delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

USCIB and its members look forward to working with the OECD, its member states, and other stakeholders to advance the critical role of business in tackling sustainability challenges, promoting job creation, innovation, and investment, and informing sound policy and its implementation. We are committed to advancing and amplifying OECD’s best implementable practices and will continue to serve as a proponent of and champion for promoting responsible business conduct globally.

About USCIB

The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) advances the global interests of American business. We do so through advocacy for an open system of world trade, finance, and investment, where business can flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare, and environmental protection.  We play a leading role in informing the negotiation and adoption of international labor standards, and in human rights, labor, and environmental   policy deliberations at the United Nations, OECD, and ILO, as the sole U.S. affiliate of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Business at OECD (BIAC) and the International Organization of Employers (IOE).  In addition, USCIB is the only U.S. business organization with standing at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and is recognized at the UN Environment Program (UNEP), UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UN CBD).

USCIB Releases Pride Month Statement, Supporting Equality and Inclusion

Published on June 8, 2023

New York, N.Y., June 8, 2023—Article 1 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”  The observation of Pride Month, which this June celebrates the contribution of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals to our communities and our societies, sits firmly in this human rights tradition. The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) is proud to take this occasion to underscore our commitment and that of our members to support LGBTQI+ equality and inclusion.

In this regard, we applaud the commitment of the U.S. government to support LBGTQ+ rights, including the efforts of U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield to integrate these rights into the work of the UN Security Council.

“We and our companies are committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect and we call on the international community to fight for the human rights of LGBTQI+ people around the world,” said USCIB Director, Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Ewa Staworzynska. 

Sixty-four countries, nearly half of them in Africa, still have laws that criminalize homosexuality, and at least nine criminalize other forms of gender expression. USCIB will continue to work through our international affiliates to raise the voice of business in the ILO, OECD, and the United Nations to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQI+ community around the world.

About USCIB: USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development, and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and regulatory coherence. Its members include U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world. As the U.S. affiliate of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and Business at OECD (BIAC), USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide and works to facilitate international trade and investment. More at www.uscib.org.

Business at OECD Releases Statement Ahead of OECD Ministerial Council

Published on June 7, 2023

The OECD Ministerial Council is taking place June 7-8 under the theme, Securing a Resilient Future: Shared Values and Global Partnerships. In light of the Ministerial, Business at OECD (BIAC) has released a statement to the OECD with insights drawn from the forthcoming 2023 Business at OECD Economic Policy Survey. Some of the themes addressed in BIAC’s insights include business concerns about the war in Ukraine, which has exacerbated inflation rate developments, labor shortages and energy prices. BIAC also raises concerns about supply chains disruptions, the need for structural reforms around infrastructure, digitalization, regulatory burdens and green transition.

The Ministerial is taking place amid persistent tension in world affairs, including Russia’s illegal war in the Ukraine, which has resulted in insurmountable human suffering in the Ukraine, as well as humanitarian and economic crises globally. Additionally, economies around the globe continue to face challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges around climate change.

BIAC’s statement emphasizes that this “unsettled world order requires an ever-greater capacity and commitment to multilateral cooperation and collective progress on these common fronts. The engine of societal progress, the world economy, has been paying a high price for an increasingly unstable rules-based international system, and the past year has been challenging for many businesses. The OECD private sector remains committed to defend our common values and rules-based order and continues to support effective government action towards these goals.”

According to BIAC, in the current context, the success of our economies relies on successful diplomacy, meaningful international cooperation and effective multilateralism in support of pragmatic policies.

For more information, please see the links below:

BIAC Statement to the OECD on Securing a Resilient Future: Shared Values and Global Partnerships

2023 Business at OECD Economic Policy Survey

BIAC Year Highlights: How We Delivered Value to Our Members (May 2022-May 2023)

USCIB Welcomes New MTN Project Manageer, Policy Interns in New York and Washington Offices

Published on June 7, 2023

USCIB has welcomed several new staff members in New York and Washington. Please join us in welcoming them to USCIB.

Carina Solling Damm

Carina Solling Damm, Project Manager, Moving the Needle Initiative (New York office)

Damm is an expert on the private sector and innovation, having worked with the Danish Foreign Ministry, including in support of the Danish Mission to the UN and Danish Consulate, and with Novo Nordisk.

She lives in NYC, and is supporting USCIB’s Moving the Needle initiative in its second phase, through the end of the year.

Katrina Sousounis

Katrina Sousounis, Summer Policy Intern, Climate and SDGs (New York office)

Sousounis is a recent graduate of Bryn Mawr College, having just completed her degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies.  She will be assisting with a Major Economies Business Forum (BizMEF) project in preparation for the Dubai Climate meetings, and supporting the Business and Industry delegation at the July UN  High Level Political Forum in NYC.

She is working with USCIB’s NYC team through the summer before she moves to Washington DC to begin a job on climate change in the Administration.

Daniel Zaretsky

Daniel Zaretsky, Summer Policy Intern, Trade, Chemicals, Customs and Tax (Washington office)

Zaretsky is a standing senior at American University where he is completing a degree in Political Science and International Business. He most recently completed a six-month study abroad opportunity in Italy where he worked as a United Nations FAO Press Intern at the Inter Press Service.

He will be assisting USCIB Washington DC staff across multiple policy areas including Trade, Chemicals, Customs and Tax, as well as Communications.

USCIB Participates in US-EU Trade and Technology Council Meeting in Sweden

Published on June 7, 2023

USCIB Vice President for International Investment and Trade Policy Alice Slayton Clark was in Luleå, Sweden to attend the fourth meeting of the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), a platform to advance Transatlantic cooperation and democratic approaches to trade, technology, and security.   

An official delegate, Clark served as a principal in the TTC’s Trade and Labor Dialogue (TALD), a selective exchange between business and unions on both sides of the Atlantic to explore policies related to the intersection of trade, labor and technology. The meeting in Luleå showcased an agreement on forced labor trade strategy principles reached between business and labor partners. The principles reflect inputs from USCIB members on the need for a “multifaceted” approach involving diplomacy, foreign assistance, capacity building, and supply chain due diligence to address the root causes of the problem. Because industry and unions could not reach agreement on the role of border enforcement as a trade tool, footnotes were inserted to reflect differences. 

“USCIB is pleased business and unions were able to agree through the TALD process on principles to address forced labor,” Clark asserted.  “Importantly, the document notes industry support for incentives rather than punitive border measures as trade tools of choice to prevent violative goods from being produced and entering into commerce in the first place.”    

Also discussed by TALD participants were trade and labor issues linked to the green transition, a topic of key concern to the US and EU and showcased in official visits to the green steel Hybrit plant in Luleå. USCIB initial views on the topic promoted a comprehensive strategy of trade, investment, education and training policies. USCIB will work with members to develop these points as the TALD green transition discussions continue in the months ahead.   

Importantly, the TTC meeting also produced a Joint Statement that reaffirms transatlantic alignment on the war in Ukraine, reform of the World Trade Organization, policies against economic coercion and pursuit of supply chain diversification. Many issues discussed at the meeting reflect transatlantic convergence on policies related to Russia and China. As such, according to Clark, the TTC continues to draw high level government participation including full engagement from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis and European Commission Executive Vice President Margreth Vestager.     

Other key issues advanced in Luleå were the launch of principal level consultations to head off subsidy races for the semiconductor industry, a task force to address cooperation in quantum technologies, the development of a work program for the Transatlantic Initiative on Sustainable Trade, exploration of increased use of digital tools to enhance trade, continued cooperation on export controls, illegal diversion of technologies and sanctions, availability of critical minerals, and managing emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence.