ICC WCF Newsletter- November 2025

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Working with chambers.

For business. For you.

This month marks an important milestone for our global chamber community with the appointment of Ali Adji Mahamat Seid as WCF Vice-Chair for Africa —a strong signal of our shared commitment to expanding the network and empowering chambers across the continent.

In this November edition, discover how chambers worldwide are driving transformation—from digital trade and sustainable agrifood systems to climate adaptation and resilience. You'll also find practical tools and upcoming workshops to help your members strengthen cybersecurity, integrity, and competitiveness.

Chambers everywhere are proving that collaboration, innovation, and leadership can shape a more connected and resilient global economy. Dive in to see how your chamber can be part of it.

ICC WCF: Empowering chambers worldwide

Community and global network

Ali Adji Mahamat Seid appointed WCF Vice-Chair for Africa
The ICC Executive Board has confirmed the WCF Chair's appointment of Mr. Ali Adji Mahamat Seid as Vice-Chair representing the African continent. Mr. Mahamat Seid is President of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI), the continent's largest business association uniting over 50 national chambers, and has served since 2020 as President of the Chad Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture, Mines, and Crafts. Following his appointment, he said: "It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I accept this appointment t to the WCF. I will work towards expanding the network in Africa, strengthening the capacities of chambers of commerce, and increasing the continent's participation in ICC initiatives."

Continued growth of WCF network

In October, Jean-Pierre Antelo, President of the Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz (CAINCO), paid a visit to the WCF Secretariat in Paris. It was an opportunity to discuss ideas for attracting new chambers to WCF network. He was recently appointed co-chair of the WCF Task Force on Network Growth, alongside Peter McMullin, president of CACCI, and their leadership will be instrumental in expanding our network worldwide. Jean-Pierre also contributed to the ICC guide Stronger Together in Emergencies, which spotlights CAINCO's emergency response initiative CAMPI.

WCF strengthens collaboration with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development

WCF met with Yousef Khalawi, Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) and newly appointed WCF General Council member, to explore joint initiatives on women's economic empowerment, agri-food, and tourism. The collaboration aims to expand WCF's reach and impact across ICCD member countries.

WCF presents chamber solutions at CPCCAF annual forum in Marseille

Representing WCF, François Georges presented the network's value proposition—including ATA Carnet, Certificates of Origin, and new chamber services—at the 17th Ateliers de la Coopération Consulaire et Économique in Marseille. The event brought together over 250 participants from 20+ countries to strengthen Francophone chamber cooperation and advance SME development.

Business support, policy, and advocacy

2025 Chamber Pulse: Chambers voice global business realities

Insights from 240 chambers worldwide reveal the top challenges for business—geopolitical tensions, inflation and tariffs. The 2025 ICC WCF Chamber Pulse shows how chambers are helping companies stay competitive amid volatility through innovation and resilience. Explore the full findings.

ICC deepens engagement with Philippine Chamber and ASEAN-BAC
In his first official visit to Manila as ICC Secretary General, John Denton met with Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair, George T. Barcelon, and the PCCI leadership to explore deeper collaboration on trade facilitation, SME support, and regional integration ahead of the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship. The visit also celebrate the roll-out of ATA Carnet in the Philippines and highlighted how PCCI was responding swiftly to support relief efforts after the Cebu earthquake. Learn more.

Supporting ASEAN's digital trade transformation ASEAN accelerates digital trade integration through global standards
ICC's Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) is supporting the ASEAN Secretariat and member states through the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme to boost interoperability and competitiveness. By aligning with MLETR and international standards, chambers can help translate policy commitments into practical tools for seamless cross-border trade. Contact ICC DSI team to learn more.

Asia-Pacific chambers shaping the future of trade and sustainability

The 2025 edition of the CACCI Product & Service Council Newsletter spotlights Asia-Pacific leadership in economic integration, sustainable manufacturing, and innovation. Chambers can draw on regional best practices to support green growth and cross-border collaboration. Read the full issue online.

Peru advances digital trade through new port modernisation and legal reforms
Co-hosted by ICC Perú, AmCham Perú, the Lima Chamber of Commerce and IFCOM, a recent seminar explored how legal reforms, pilot projects and port digitalisation can accelerate Peru's cross-border trade transformation. Chambers are encouraged to champion awareness and collaboration to ensure a smooth, inclusive digital transition. For more information contact ICC Peru.

Chambers lead Colombia's push for digital trade transformation
Experts called for faster adoption of digital tools, AI, and global standards to boost competitiveness at the Transformación Digital del Comercio Internacional: Nuevas Fronteras Globales event, hosted by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce. Chambers were highlighted asre key to positioning digitalisation as a driver of sustainable growth and global integration. For more information contact ICC Colombia.

Setting the global standard for ethical research

The updated ICC/ESOMAR International Code provides chambers and business associations with clear guidance to promote ethical data practices, strengthen transparency, and protect public trust. Use the Code to help your members navigate responsible research and data management in today's digital economy. Download now.

Digital trade reform: A win for business and the planet

A new Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation report shows that digitising trade processes can cut emissions equivalent to 2.9 million trees—and that's with only 5% digitalised. Chambers can champion paperless trade to boost efficiency and sustainability. Download the report.

Driving digital accountability: A call for global coherence
At the 2025 Internet Accountability Forum, ICC urged governments to align regulations and adopt interoperable frameworks for responsible digital governance. Chambers can help advance accountability as a competitive strength—building trust, protecting rights, and enabling innovation in the digital economy. Contact Timea Suto to learn more.

ICC Trade Register: The trusted benchmark for trade finance insight
Backed by $25.7 trillion in transaction data from leading banks, the ICC Trade Register offers chambers and businesses a global view of risk, default trends, and market opportunities. Use this data-driven resource to support SME access to finance. Download the strategic preview.

Scaling climate adaptation: A call for private sector leadership ahead of COP30

Bridging the adaptation finance gap requires more than public funds—it demands business action. ICC is calling on governments to create the right policies and incentives to mobilise private investment in climate resilience. Chambers can help amplify this message. Explore ICC's recommendations.

ICC and FAO unite to drive investment in sustainable agrifood systems
ICC and the FAO reaffirmed their partnership to scale private investment in sustainable agrifood systems at the 2025 Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, in Rome. Chambers can help connect local agribusinesses to these opportunities and foster collaboration between public and private actors. Read more.

ICC urges private sector engagement in Gaza's recovery
During high-level talks with the UN and regional business leaders, ICC called for private sector participation in Gaza's reconstruction. Chambers can play a vital role in mobilising investment, restoring livelihoods, and supporting long-term economic stability. Learn more about ICC's efforts.

Arbitration on the rise across Latin America and Iberia
A new ICC report shows growing use of arbitration to resolve commercial disputes in Latin America and Iberia—alongside emerging regulatory challenges. Chambers can guide businesses through these developments to ensure fair, predictable, and efficient dispute resolution. Explore the key insights.

ICC compliance guide for SMEs now available in Spanish
ICC's Guide to SME Compliance—now available in Spanish—helps small businesses and chambers implement effective compliance programmes. Developed by the ICC Institute of World Business Law, it outlines practical steps to build trust, reduce risk, and strengthen business integrity. Download the guide.

Trade facilitation services

Looking to deliver greater value to your members?
"ICC One Click provides significant value to chambers of commerce. It represents leadership and added-value in the services we offer." – Luis Fernando Strauss, Institutional Relations Manager at CAINCO. Join the +35 leading chambers already using ICC One Click to empower their members in global trade. For more information or to get started, contact ICC One Click team.

Events and conferences

Cybersecurity workshop in French
The ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship invites chambers and their SME members to a free online workshop in French with the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA), on 5 November at 14:00 CET. Discover how the GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit can help small businesses boost their cyber defences – covering essentials like phishing protection, secure communications, and cyber hygiene. Register now to help SMEs take control of their cybersecurity future.

Lead with integrity: Free online workshop for your SMEs
On 12 November 2025 at 14:00 CET, the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship invites chambers and their members to, One Click: An Introduction to Business Integrity. This session will introduce SMEs to the fundamentals of anti-corruption measures, their importance in business operations, and how to implement these practices to ensure compliance and build a reputation for integrity. The workshop will be held in English, with simultaneous translation in French, Spanish, and Arabic. Register now.

Your ICC tools and resources

ICC Model Contracts: Giving start-ups a solid legal foundation
ICC's Model Contracts for start-ups help entrepreneurs and chambers support new ventures with ready-to-use legal templates—from shareholder and employment agreements to IP checklists. These adaptable tools save time, reduce costs, and ensure businesses launch on strong, compliant footing. Get your copy today.

Avoiding invoice pitfalls in supply chain finance
Errors or fraud in supply chain finance can trigger financial loss, legal risk, and reputational damage across multiple tiers of trade. Chambers can help members strengthen due diligence, adopt digital verification tools, and align with global standards to safeguard trust and transparency in transactions. Learn more.

Upcoming events

4-8 Nov

10-11 Nov

18-19 Nov

24-25 Nov

JCI World Congress 2025 (Tunis, Tunisia)

39th CACCI Conference (Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Euro-Mediterranean Economic & Business Forum (Barcelone, Spain)

EU-Africa Business Forum 2025 (Luanda, Angola)

View the full calendar on the Chambers Connect platform. If you don't have access to Chambers Connect yet, join our Affiliation Programme free of charge to get access to our exclusive online community platform designed for chambers of commerce.

Contact us today to discover how partnering with ICC for our upcoming events can boost your organisation's global visibility and provide exclusive networking opportunities. This is your chance to connect with a high-caliber audience and strengthen your presence within the global business community.

About us

The ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) is the backbone of the global chamber network leading, connecting and inspiring chambers to benefit real economies and communities, every day, everywhere.

For feedback, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please contact us at wcf@iccwbo.org.

Not yet a WCF member? Now's the time to join the world's largest chamber network Join the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) and connect with thousands of chamber leaders committed to making business work for everyone, everywhere. As a WCF member, you gain exclusive access to global networks, tools, and opportunities to grow your chamber's influence, services, and impact.
Become a member | Find your ICC National Committee | Contact our team

Already a member? Don't forget to explore the full range of your benefits—from shaping ICC policy to commercialising trade tools, reselling ICC Academy trainings, or gaining global visibility through our platforms.

Not ready for full membership? Get started by joining our WCF Affiliation Programme—free of charge for eligible chambers. Discover the Affiliation Programme and access a global network, exclusive insights, and promotional platforms.

That's a wrap for the November edition of the ICC WCF Newsletter. Thank you for staying connected with the global chamber community. We'll be back next month with more insights, tools, and stories empowering chambers to lead, connect, and grow worldwide.

The ICC World Chambers Federation Team

Contact

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www.iccwbo.org

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