ICC Archives

ICC Academy: 2016 Supply Chain Finance Summit

Published on January 29, 2016

supply_chain_summit

The ICC Academy invites you to join us for the upcoming Supply Chain Financing Summit, which will take place in Singapore on March 9 and 10.

The summit will welcome 150 trade finance experts from all over the world and will provide an opportunity for thoughtful deliberation, practical action and high-value networking.

A key feature of the summit will be the release of new internationally-standardized definitions for techniques of supply chain finance endorsed by the ICC Academy, facilitated by the ICC Banking Commission and jointly produced with key global industry associations.

Register before February 5 2016 to take advantage of the early bird rate.

Topics will include:

  • Evolution of Global Trade Hubs
  • Trends in Supply Chain Financing and alternative models
  • FinTech Innovations
  • China Market Updates, New Normal
  • ICC/SCF Terminology
  • Conversation with Market Leaders

Read the full program here.

ICC Scorecard Flags Missed G20 Opportunities

Published on January 27, 2016

2016 ICC G20 Business Score CardThe International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) unveiled its fifth annual ICC G20 Business Scorecard, which rates G20 responsiveness to key business policy priorities. The Scorecard shows G20 progress on a number of international business priorities but reveals some important missed opportunities to advance trade and international investment policy frameworks.

“We published the Scorecard to help the G20 gauge progress and identify areas that merit greater attention. This edition finds that the G20 is making progress on the B20 recommendations that will lead to economic growth and job creation,” said ICC and USCIB Chairman Terry McGraw as he presented the latest edition of the ICC G20 Business Scorecard on January 26 in a keynote speech to the Business-20 (B20) China kick-off event in Beijing. “It is critical that G20 leaders, with support from business, unite to exercise stronger leadership in tackling the world’s economic policy challenges, particularly on trade, investment and the environment.”

The ICC Scorecard is a valuable mechanism for global business to evaluate the G20’s responsiveness to B20 policy recommendations. The fifth edition examines a total of 25 business priorities developed during the 2015 Turkish B20 cycle and rates G20 responsiveness across seven policy areas. This year’s score of 2.0 out of 3.0, translates to an assessment of “Fair.”

“The score is a slight decrease from the Brisbane and St. Petersburg Summits’ scores of 2.1 reflecting our disappointment in G20 leadership on the trade agenda,” said ICC Secretary General John Danilovich.

The Scorecard suggests that passive wording used in the Antalya Communiqué amounted to a missed opportunity to amplify both the urgency of advancing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to implementation and the importance of TFA progress to adding $1 trillion to global GDP and 18 million jobs, primarily in emerging markets.

“The G20 should have rallied endorsement for the TFA in the run-up to the WTO ministerial in Nairobi,” said McGraw. “We need 108 countries to ratify the TFA and we still have 10 G20 countries that haven’t. We must get this done.”

Can do better on investment

G20 action on investment and infrastructure yielded a score of only 1.3 out of 3.0. While this demonstrates some progress on the infrastructure investment agenda launched at the 2013 St. Petersburg Summit, the Scorecard notes that G20 leaders have not responded to a growing chorus calling for G20 leadership on international investment governance.

“The country-specific investment strategies endorsed by leaders in Antalya are the type of concrete actions we need to see from the G20,” said Jeffrey Hardy, director of the ICC G20 CEO Advisory Group. “But we also need them to set national targets on infrastructure spending, as a percentage of GDP, and to agree overarching national strategies for credible infrastructure pipelines.”

According to Scorecard ratings the G20 also failed to address B20 calls for leadership on international investment governance, including a B20 recommendation for a model investment framework.

“This was a missed opportunity for the G20 to demonstrate leadership on rationalizing the current patchwork of bilateral and regional investment rules,” said Hardy.

A promising start on SMEs

Reflecting the emphasis on SME growth as a priority during Turkey’s G20 Presidency, G20 commitments to SMEs scored 2.0 out of 3.0 – with high marks for secured for official G20 recognition of the new World SME Forum (WSF), a groundbreaking initiative to unlock the potential of SMEs worldwide. Co-founded by ICC and launched during the Antalya Summit, the WSF will be an enduring legacy of Turkey’s G20 Presidency.

While acknowledging a concrete commitment by G20 leaders to reduce the proportion of young people most at risk of being left permanently behind in the labor market, the Scorecard signals that implementation will require comprehensive reform and modernization of national and vocational education and training systems along with the creation of open and dynamic labor markets.

“It is disappointing that G20 ministers failed again under the Turkish Presidency to address key issues around bringing more people into employment,” said Daniel Funes de Rioja, president of the International Organization of Employers (IOE). “It’s not enough for the G20 employment process to take the line of least resistance; the difficult tasks need to be tackled. Business stands ready to support G20 Governments in this endeavor.”

Much improvement on environment and energy

The Energy and Environment score of 2.2 out of 3.0 is a significant increase over last year’s score of 1.2 and the highest since ICC began monitoring. The increase is the result of a heightened focus on energy and climate change in the Antalya Leader’s Communiqué, coupled with the first G20 Energy Ministers Meeting on October – both indicating that energy and climate issues are gaining greater traction in G20 deliberation at leader level.

“ICC is pleased that the G20 has recognized several of the business priorities outlined in 2015,” said Hardy. “The Antalya Communiqué included unprecedented strong language on climate change, stating and that it was ‘one of the greatest challenges of our time.’ The G20’s Antalya commitments held firm and helped secure the historic global climate agreement reached in Paris in December.”

Delivering on anti-corruption

The Scorecard also reflected good G20 progress on Anti-Corruption, which received a score of 2.3 out of 3.0. The score is acknowledgement of the ongoing partnership between the B20 and the G20 Anti-corruption working Group (ACWG), with several commitments and deliverables in the 2015-2016 G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan aligned to B20 recommendations. The ACWG is by far the most inclusive of all official G20 working arrangements, with B20 representatives routinely invited to participate in ACWG meetings and to submit suggestions to the ongoing G20 anti-corruption agenda.

“It is encouraging that the G20 continues to demonstrate leadership in denouncing corrupt practices, including the delivery and publication in Antalya of national implementation plans on beneficial ownership transparency,” said Danilovich. “This is an important area of focus for the G20 and presents a significant boon to the global effort to increase transparency and deter corruption. However, one year after Brisbane, there are still gaps between the G20’s own principles and the current state of regulation in several G20 countries.”

The full G20 Business Scorecard is available here.

6 Reasons Why ICC is Celebrating International Customs Day

Published on January 26, 2016

customs declaration

To remain competitive in an increasingly integrated global economy, businesses need to be able to rely on efficient Customs regimes and smooth logistics when exporting and importing goods. That is why the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and USCIB are celebrating International Customs Day, dedicated this year to promoting the digitization of Customs process under the slogan “Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement.”

ICC has highlighted six ways in which the world business organization is helping to promote trade facilitation and customs modernization, and helping businesses counter some of the border challenges they face today. USCIB is proud to support these initiatives as U.S. affiliate of ICC.

Working with the World Customs Organization (WCO)

ICC and the World Customs Organization (WCO) share a commitment to harmonize customs procedures and practices. ICC’s longstanding partnership dates back to the 1950’s when the two organizations declared support for the modernization of Customs as a core means of enhancing supply chains and economic competitiveness.

In 2015, ICC contributed to the development of the World Customs Organization’s Customs-Business Partnership Guidance which offers step-by-step advice for developing sustainable engagement between customs authorities and the private sector.

Natural allies on Trade Facilitation

Through the ICC Commission on Customs and Trade Facilitation, ICC provides input to the WCO on a number of technical issues including Customs Classification (in the WCO Harmonized System Committee) and Customs Valuation (in the WCO Technical Committee on Customs Valuation). On a strategic level, ICC and the WCO work together to address the Customs challenges and opportunities identified by traders.

In 2015, ICC provided perspectives on the inappropriate use of Customs valuation databases to set minimum or reference pricing for imports. ICC has also been engaged from the start in the WCO Working Group on the implementation of the World Trade Organization’s landmark Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Given that the agreement deals almost entirely with Customs-related topics, ICC works closely with the WCO to ensure the TFA’s successful implementation.

Practical guidance on international taxation

ICC proposals for more coherent tax and customs revenue collection were included in the WCO Guide to Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing released in 2015 as part of a WCO Revenue Package. The guide provides concrete guidance on revenue collection to governments around the globe and aims to harmonize revenue collection between customs and tax authorities.

ICC also continues to support the efforts of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations towards further coherence of tax and customs administrations.

ATA Carnets – a passport for goods

Administered by ICC through its World Chambers Federation (WCF), the ATA Carnet is a tool for the temporary duty-free and tax-free admission of goods. The Carnet works like a passport for goods, removing the need for exporters to provide Customs authorities with the otherwise necessary guarantees required for goods to cross borders. Today, the ATA System is in force in 75 countries with over 178,000 ATA Carnets, covering hundreds of thousands of Customs transactions, issued worldwide every year for goods valued at $25 billion. USCIB is the U.S. national guaranteeing association for the ATA Carnet.

From computers and prototype cars to prehistoric relics and seismic equipment, Carnets are issued for all kinds of goods including commercial samples, professional equipment and goods for trade fairs and exhibitions.

Certificates of Origin – facilitating trusted trade

Every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining the duty that will be applied to the goods or, in some cases, whether the goods may be legally imported at all. Certificates of Origin (CO) are important international trade documents attesting that goods in a particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country. Millions are issued every year.

ICC through its World Chambers Federation provides an international accreditation chain system for chambers of commerce, the principal agent in the delivery of certificates and has established international standards, rules and procedures that reinforce the trust and integrity of the CO Chain, to the benefit of traders and Customs administrations alike.

Incoterms® Rules – the daily language of trade

ICC’s famous Incoterms® rules are accepted as the global standard for the interpretation of the most common terms used in contracts for the international sale of goods. Incorporated in contracts for the sale of goods worldwide, they provide guidance to importers and exporters helping trading partners to avoid costly misunderstandings by clarifying the tasks, costs and risks involved in the delivery of goods from sellers to buyers.

To learn more about ICC trade tools that facilitate cross-border transactions visit:

http://www.iccwbo.org/products-and-services/trade-facilitation

For more information about USCIB’s trade services visit:

https://uscib.org/trade-services-UD-4293/

 

ICC and UNCTAD Pledge to Work Together on 2030 Development Agenda

Published on January 25, 2016

unctad_iccThe International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have pledged to strengthen their work maximizing the benefits of international trade and investment for economic and social development, and laid out plans for new collaborative efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015.

UNCTAD Secretary General Mukhisa Kituyi and ICC Secretary General John Danilovich issued a joint statement when they met at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, which took place in Davos, Switzerland from January 20 to 23.

“Both UNCTAD and ICC are strongly committed to implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and can collaborate in a number of important areas such as trade facilitation, e-commerce, investment and competition law,” Kituyi said. “The private sector will play a significant role in fulfilling the implementation of the SDGs and we are very pleased to partner with ICC, being the largest representative business organization in the world.”

“Collaboration between the private sector and intergovernmental organizations – especially UNCTAD, given its convening role for developing countries on trade and investment – is vital if we are to make progress towards the SDGs and ensure a more sustainable and prosperous future for all,” said Danilovich. “Our engagement with UNCTAD is a clear and visible demonstration of the private sector’s commitment to the goals.”

Building on the success of the widely adopted UNCTAD/ICC Rules for Multimodal Transport Documents, Kituyi and Danilovich said that their organizations shared a mutual interest and expertise in developing standards for use in international trade. Accordingly, the organizations will collaborate in supporting countries wishing to ratify and implement the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, which aims to cut red tape and the cost of cross-border trade.

In addition, in order to enhance the potential of foreign direct investment in the achievement of the SDGs, the organizations will promote dialogue on this subject at their joint Investment Advisory Council, a high-level platform for the exchange of ideas between senior business leaders and officials, and at the World Investment Forum, UNCTAD’s two-yearly gathering for discussions on emerging investment-related challenges.

As for the digital economy, both organizations will join forces to capitalize on the potential that information and communication technologies, including the Internet, have for development.

Recognizing that non-tariff barriers to trade have been shown to be up to four times as restrictive as traditional tariff measures, UNCTAD and ICC will cooperate to raise awareness among governments about the significance of such measures and foster transparency.

The organizations will also work jointly to strengthen consumer protection and safeguard competition law.

The partnership between UNCTAD and ICC will strengthen the voice of the private sector at the fourteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 17-22.

The conference brings together heads of state and government, ministers and key stakeholders from the business world, civil society and academia to tackle global trade and economic development issues in relation to the SDGs and to move from decisions to actions in the implementation of Agenda 2030.

ICC-Atlanta Center Cooperation to Bolster Services in North America

Published on January 19, 2016

ACIAM-conference-roomThe International Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Center for International Arbitration and Mediation – a state-of-the-art hearing and conference facility for international dispute resolution affiliated with the Georgia State University College of Law – have announced efforts to enhance cooperation under the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) entered into January 15.

The collaboration is set to benefit the international arbitration community and reinforce the commitment of ICC’s International Court of Arbitration to North America, the largest constituency of ICC Arbitration users.

The MOU is the latest step by the Court to bolster its presence in the United States following the establishment of a case management team in New York operating under the corporate name of SICANA Inc.

“US parties rank first as users of ICC Arbitration and other ICC dispute resolution services,” said Andrea Carlevaris, secretary general of the ICC International Court of Arbitration. “The opening of an office administering ICC arbitrations in New York City in 2013 is a tangible sign of our commitment to North America and has boosted our services in the country. The MOU with the Atlanta Center is another step in the same direction for us to raise our profile in the region.”

Shelby Grubbs, the Atlanta Center’s executive director, noted: “We are thrilled to be aligned with the ICC, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international institutions offering arbitration and alternative dispute resolution services. Atlanta is the commercial capital of the Southeastern U.S., a region with a $3.3 trillion economy. With our location and great logistics, we are confident that we can help the ICC expand in North America.”

Under the parameters of cooperation outlined in the MOU, the Atlanta Center will provide hearing and conference space to ICC facilities for the Court of Arbitration to conduct its operations in Atlanta. In return, ICC will advocate the use of the Atlanta Center for arbitration hearings in the city and in neighbouring areas. Through the end of 2016, the Atlanta Center will provide hearing space to the ICC and parties booking through the ICC at a 40 percent discount.

Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2013, the ICC International Court of Arbitration is one of the oldest and most respected institutions for international commercial arbitration, an appealing alternative to litigation for companies and states. In addition to the Court’s wealth of expertise, partnerships with respected partners such as the Atlanta Center demonstrate ICC’s commitment to keep pace with contemporary interests and concerns of dispute resolution service users around the world.

The Atlanta Center for International Arbitration and Mediation is located on the fourth floor of the Georgia State University College of Law at 85 Park Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. For additional information on the center go to: http://atlciam.org/

ICC Court Announces New Policies to Foster Transparency and Efficiency

Published on January 5, 2016

gavelThe International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Court of Arbitration® announced two major decisions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and transparency of ICC arbitration proceedings. Both decisions were unanimously adopted and announced at the Bureau of the Court at its session on December 17, 2015.

Promoting transparency for users and other stakeholders

As of January 1, 2016, the Court will publish online the names of the arbitrators sitting on ICC cases, their nationality, and whether their appointment was made by the Court or by the parties, as well as which arbitrator is the tribunal chairperson.

This information will be published once the tribunal is constituted and updated in case of changes to the tribunal’s composition. The information will remain on the court’s website after the case is terminated. In order not to compromise party confidentiality, the case reference number and the names of the parties and of counsel will not be published.

Parties will, by mutual agreement, have the option of opting out of this limited disclosure. They may also request the Court to publish additional information about a particular case.

Cost consequences for unjustified delays in submitting awards

In a further groundbreaking move, the Court stated that ICC arbitral tribunals are expected to submit draft awards within three months of the last substantive hearing concerning matters to be decided in an award or, if later, the filing of the last written submissions. This timeframe will be set at two months for cases heard by sole arbitrators. If a draft award is submitted beyond that timeframe, the Court may lower the arbitrators’ fees by up to 20 percent.

In deciding on such reductions, the Court will take into account any delays incurred in the submission of one or more partial awards. As a further measure to encourage efficiency, the new policy provides the Court with the possibility to increase the arbitrators’ fees above the amount that it would otherwise have considered fixing in cases where a tribunal has conducted the arbitration expeditiously.

“Users are concerned by the time and costs of international arbitrations, and rightly so,” said Alexis Mourre, president of the ICC Court. “The expeditious resolution of disputes is one of our top priorities.”

Mourre continued: “By releasing this new note, we send a clear signal to tribunals that unjustified delays will not be tolerated, and we provide transparency on the consequences that the Court will draw from such situations.”

WSIS+10: Advance SDGs for Secure and Vibrant Digital Economy in Africa

Published on December 16, 2015
L-R: Moctar Yedaly (African Union), John Danilovich (ICC) and Joseph Alhadeff (Oracle)
L-R: Moctar Yedaly (African Union), John Danilovich (ICC) and Joseph Alhadeff (Oracle)

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Business Action to Support the Information Society (BASIS) initiative, the Africa ICT Alliance (AfICTA) and the African Union (AU) joined forces to provide an integrated view of the lessons learned from the implementation of the United Nations (UN) millennium development goals (MDGs) and the good practices imperative for enabling the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The review took place at a side event hosted during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) +10 high level review meeting at UN Headquarters in New York. Under the theme “Digital economy and sustainable development”, the luncheon event highlighted the value of information communication technologies (ICTs) and the Internet in the underpinning infrastructure for economic and social progress and providing tools for programmes in sectors such as health, finance and education. Panelists from business and the governments of Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa shared perspectives on how to ensure the Internet continues to be a platform for growth and a critical enabler of sustainable development.

Co-moderators of the session Joseph Alhadeff (Oracle) chair of the ICC’s Commission on the Digital Economy and of USCIB’s ICT Committee, and Moctar Yedaly of the African Union, invited participants to discuss how progress towards the SDGs could be made, reflecting on the myriad ways in which ICTs have already helped to advance several MDGs in Africa.

Hlengiwe Buhle Mkhize, deputy minister of telecommunications and postal service, South Africa, who took part in the event, said: “If we really want to bring a new agenda of how the use of ICTs helps us to step up our efforts, to equalize and create a sustainable society, we have to deepen our conversations as partners and as to what responsibilities we bear, and how we measure the commitments.”

wsiis1_sourceChaired by ICC Secretary General John Danilovich, the event also featured Adebayo Shittu, minister of communications, Nigeria, Nermine El Saadany, under secretary for international relations division, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Egypt and ICC BASIS members Jimson Olufuye, chairman, Africa ICT Alliance (AfICTA).

The interactive discussion focused on the development of a secure and vibrant digital economy in Africa that would help the region better integrate into the global digital economy. Egyptian small business owner and ICC BASIS Officer Hossam El-Gamal said: “We need competitiveness, transparency, security and openness to encourage investment and bring the next billion online.”

For more information about the side event ‘Digital economy and sustainable development’ please click here

 

ICC Launches Principles to Support Innovation

Published on December 2, 2015

inno_sourceThe International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has launched a new set of principles to support the development of policy frameworks that enable innovation, especially in high-technology industries.

The principles – which  promote policies that support innovation as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and broad-based opportunity – were released at a roundtable in Geneva co-hosted at the Permanent Mission to Canada and attended by senior business executives and ambassadors representing a range of countries. They respond, in part, to the challenge of the United Nations’ new Sustainable Development Goals which emphasize the role of innovation in tackling global challenges such as extreme poverty and climate change.

The paper expands upon four central principles, necessary for the creation of a supportive policy environment for innovation. In doing so, it urges policymakers to:

– Build investor confidence by encouraging dialogue between stakeholders, providing stability and good governance, investing in infrastructure and ensuring that regulatory frameworks are predictable, transparent, robust and up to date.

– Train skilled workers in a climate that promotes knowledge exchange  To achieve this, the principles highlight the need for collaboration across sectors, along with investment in educational infrastructure and public-private research programs.

– Open markets to trade and investment, noting that innovation is a global endeavor that transcends borders. The principles state that national trade and competition laws should not discriminate between domestic and foreign companies, and that national systems aimed at attracting investment should conform to international norms and take into account global competition to attract investment capital.

– Ensure adequate intellectual property (IP) systems to incentivize investment in innovation . The paper explains that effective and predictable intellectual property systems assist businesses to obtain financing for innovation, provide certainty that businesses can recoup their investments in R&D, and enable innovative ideas to be commercialized and scaled. They also help to provide security for sharing know-how between businesses and other entities in the context of collaborative innovation.

“The social, environmental, and economic challenges that we face today require innovative responses,” said ICC Secretary General John Danilovich, “Business has a key role to play in helping society meet these challenges but can only do so in an environment that supports innovation. The ICC Innovation Principles have been created with this in mind, and we hope that they will provide the foundation for a wider discussion on technological innovation between business and policymakers.”

To download the ICC Principles on Creating and Nurturing Innovation Ecosystems for High-Tech Industries, click here .

USCIB & ICC to Convene Numerous Events at UN Climate Conference

Published on November 30, 2015
L-R: Norine Kennedy (USCIB), Nick Campbell (Arkema) and Andrea Bacher (ICC)

As leaders and delegates from nearly 200 countries descend on Paris for the pivotal COP21 climate conference, USCIB and the International Chamber of Commerce are planning an array of timely and informative business-themed events. USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson led an American business delegation along with Norine Kennedy, vice president for strategic international engagement, energy and environment, to the UN climate change conference.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will be convening and participating in a series of events to make the case for a robust global agreement that works with business to meet the climate challenge. The private sector has been vocal in calling for bold action in the run up to the historic climate negotiations in Paris.

If you’re headed to Paris for COP21 here are a number of key dates for your calendar:

Official Business and Industry Day

As the business focal point to the UN climate talks, ICC will be hosting a range of briefings and events for the private sector, including the official COP21 Business Day on December 4. The event, known in UN circles as BINGO day, will demonstrate the private sector’s commitment to an ambitious agreement and will explore how business is already taking action for a low-carbon, resilient economy. Key speakers include:

  • John Danilovich, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce
  • Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France and President-Designate of COP 21 and CMP 11

Click here to learn more about this event.

USCIB-American Chamber of Commerce, Executive Briefing and High Level Roundtable Meeting for US Business”

One of the fundamental challenges facing governments at COP21 is how to animate the private sector’s innovation and investment and channel that to address climate change and adapt to its impacts. If the Paris outcomes don’t work with and for business, they will not deliver their full potential. Clearly, governments will need a fully engaged business community across all sectors to turn the Paris outcomes into action in the near and long terms.

On Saturday December 5, USCIB and AmCham in France will convene a high level business meeting at the halfway point of COP21 to:

  • Overview on the latest developments in the political process relevant to U.S. business engagement
  • Review U.S. business issues and achievements in support of COP21
  • Look ahead to U.S. business priorities and initiatives in the implementation and further elaboration of the Paris outcomes.

A draft agenda can be viewed here.

ICC Conference on Climate Change Related Disputes

A unique event looking at the role of alternative dispute resolution – including arbitration – in resolving climate change related disputes. The event will look at the possible “enforcement gap” under a COP21 deal and the potential role of arbitration in building confidence in a new global climate architecture.

This groundbreaking event is jointly organized by the ICC International Court of Arbitration, the International Bar Association, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce.

Click here to learn more about this event.

#OurClimate Photographic Award – Winners Announcement

Over 600 professional and amateur photographers from more than 60 countries have submitted entries to the ICC Photographic Award 2015, an official COP21 event. The award is a celebration of artistic skill and outstanding photography which aims to draw attention to and stimulate dialogue around the global challenge of climate change.

The three award winners will be announced during a high-level ICC COP21 Gala Reception.

Be the first to know the winners! Follow this event on Twitter via @iccwbo and #OurClimate .

Energy for Tomorrow Conference

Climate change is transforming supply chains, operations and markets, creating new challenges and significant growth opportunities for forward-thinking business leaders and investors.

Hosted and moderated by New York Times journalists, the Energy for Tomorrow conference brings together powerful CEOs, influential policymakers, energy entrepreneurs and leading academics to uncover the technologies, strategies and investments that will drive success in the new low-carbon economy.

ICC Secretary General John Danilovich will be delivering his vision for climate policy beyond COP21 on the second day of this event on December 9.

Click here to learn more about this event.

BizMEF side-event on INDC’s

On December 10, the Major Economies Business Forum on Energy Security and Climate Change will host an official UNFCCC side-event on intended nationally-determined contributions (INDC’s)

Click here to learn more about USCIB’s COP21 events event.

Sustainable Innovation Forum

The Sustainable Innovation Forum will convene cross-sector participants from business, government, finance, UN, non-governmental organizations and civil society to create an unparalleled opportunity to bolster business innovation and bring scale to the emerging green economy.

Cherie Nursalim, vice chairman of Giti Group and ICC Executive Board Member, will be a speaker at the keynote plenary session “Sustainable supply chain innovation and the circular economy” on December 8.

Click here to register for this event.

ICC Underscores Importance of Freedom of Commercial Communication

Published on November 30, 2015

Digital marketing concept

A new International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) statement urging governments to reject general advertising bans and overly prescriptive restrictions on truthful commercial communications, in favor of self-regulatory practices, warns that excessive regulation in the field of advertising and commercial communications could hinder trade and hamper economic growth and development.

Issued on November 24, the ICC policy statement addresses continuing threat of bans on advertising and promotion of legal products and restrictions on freedom of commercial communication in favor of self-regulatory practices.

“This statement presents the views of global business on the freedom of commercial communication and expands on the discussion of the rights of advertisers,” said Brent Sanders (Microsoft), chair of the ICC commission and of USCIB’s Marketing and Advertising Committee. “It outlines the responsibilities accepted by business and supports the argument for continued self-regulation through ICC codes.”

ICC’s Commission on Marketing and Advertising will hold its nextg meeting on December 7 in New York. The Consolidated ICC Code of Advertising and Marketing Communications Practice (the ICC Code), is the gold standard for most nationally applied self-regulation around the world.

The newly revised ICC policy statement on freedom of commercial communication outlines ICC Code principles related to freedom of commercial communication and self-regulation, and recognizes business responsibility to consumers in providing decent, honest and truthful commercial communication. It aims to underscore that freedom of advertising and of commercial speech, underpinned by effective self-regulation, are cornerstones of the market economy.

“Latin America has seen a proliferation of proposals or enacted laws to restrict food and beverage marketing and this statement from ICC is most timely as business concern mounts with threats continuing to extend globally,” said Ximena Tapias Delporte, vice chair of the ICC Commission on Marketing and Advertising and executive chairman of the Colombian Union of Advertising Companies.

In the statement, ICC upholds that products that can be legally manufactured and marketed should be legal to advertise in line with free market media and communication laws, taking into account the interests of the public and the common good.

ICC has served as the authoritative rule-setter for international advertising since the 1930s, when the first ICC Code on advertising practice was issued. Since then, it has updated and expanded the ICC self-regulatory framework where needed to assist companies in marketing their products responsibly and to help self-regulators apply the rules consistently.

Download the ICC Policy Statement on Freedom of Commercial Communications

Download the Consolidated ICC Code of Advertising and Marketing Communications Practice