On October 8, to mark its 90th anniversary and strong legacy of working closely with multilateral institutions, ICC hosted a luncheon at the United Nations that brought together UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon with members of the ICC Executive Board and USCIB’s Executive Committee. USCIB serves as ICC’s American national committee and works to maintain a robust business presence in the world body.
The gathering celebrated and re-affirmed ICC’s commitment to the goals of the United Nations and a strong working relationship between the two bodies. ICC was one of the earliest organizations to establish consultative status at the UN – indeed, forging these ties was the first task USCIB was charged with after its founding in 1945. During this long and enduring relationship, ICC has served as the voice of the global business community, representing the private sector from over 130 countries.
The ICC Executive Board is chaired by Victor Fung, chairman of the Hong Kong-based Li & Fung Group, and composed of 25 business leaders from every region of the world. USCIB’s Executive Committee serves as the organization’s board of directors and is chaired by William G. Parrett, retired global CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.
Discussion at the lunch centered on climate change and other major international issues. Joining Mr. Ban were several members of his senior staff, including Vijay Nambiar, Mr. Ban’s chef de cabinet, Ambassador Joseph Reed, under secretary general and senior advisor to Mr. Ban, and Janos Pasztor, director of the secretary general’s climate change support team.
In his remarks, Mr. Ban stated: “Over these nine decades, the International Chamber of Commerce has worked tirelessly to bring people together. You have achieved concrete results: establishing global rules for global markets, raising the productive potential of the least developed countries by helping to create a vibrant private sector, and encouraging the dissemination of technology and know-how to those who need it most.
Mr. Fung praised the secretary general for his leadership in the climate change negotiations and pledged ICC continued support: “In the lead up to Copenhagen, we will examine how business can help, not only in securing a positive outcome in Copenhagen, but also in the post-Copenhagen implementation phase. ICC will continue to work closely with governments and the UN to bring a wide-range of business expertise to collectively solve the crucial global challenges of trade, climate change and development.”
Staff contact: Louise Kantrow
