The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and its World Chambers Federation announced on Thursday (November 25) the winners of the World Chambers Competition 2021, during a prestigious ceremony which concluded the 12th World Chambers Congress in Dubai.
Lima Chamber of Commerce won the award for the Best Digital Project. The category recognizes chambers that have created innovative tech solutions for member services. Lima Chamber demonstrated how they successfully moved all of their in-person services online, to create a fully digital solution to cut costs and boosts efficiency for all of their members and clients.
Taking home the award for Best Resilience Project was Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, Luxembourg. This category recognizes chambers that have created innovative resilience initiatives to combat the economic and health consequences associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chamber developed the House of Entrepreneurship, to support entrepreneurs throughout their business journey.
Claiming the award for Best Climate Action Project was East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, England. This category recognises chambers that have developed projects that support bold action to tackle climate change. The Chamber presented the Chamber Low Carbon Project, which aims to transform the region of Lancashire in the UK into a profitable, low carbon economy through unlimited support to help businesses to create, review and implement their low carbon plans.
Potsdam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Germany) won the award for Best Unconventional Project, which recognises chambers that have developed unique and pioneering projects in an activity not typically associated with their everyday mission and objectives, while increasing job creation to enhance local economies. The Chamber launched Shufi – The App for Teen Entrepreneurs, to teach students the key elements of successful entrepreneurship, as well as guidance on setting up a company.
In addition, a Special Award was presented to TOBB, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, and others in the ICC network that we were able to organize the safe passage of a first group from Kabul to Istanbul. The ICC launched the ‘I Care for Colleagues’ solidarity campaign in September to bring financial support where it is critically needed, and we’re continuing that work today to help remaining staff and associates in Afghanistan.
The awards were presented to the winners by H.E. Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber and Chair of ICC-World Chambers Federation and Maria Fernanda Garza Merodio, First Vice-Chair, International Chamber of Commerce, Mexico in the presence of John Denton, Secretary General of the ICC.
H.E. Hamad Buamim congratulated the winners on their achievements and praised all of the finalists for spearheading innovative projects that created value for businesses. The 2021 edition of the Competition received 78 initiatives from 33 countries, he revealed, adding that he was encouraged and impressed by the high level of quality and creativity that the finalists and winners demonstrated this time around.
H.E. Buamim added that the latest edition of the competition and awards cements Dubai’s position as a global innovation hub and test bed for cutting-edge solutions, adding that the 12WCC was an eye-opening experience for delegates to learn all about Chambers 4.0 and chamber-led innovation.
“Our goal is to provide a global platform to showcase the ability of chambers to move the dial on economic and social progress through innovative, locally tailored solutions to challenges and disruption. The Competition highlights the impact these chambers are having, with a view to inspiring further action, opening doors for collaboration and initiating new conversations,” said John W.H. Denton AO, the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Since its launch in 2003, the Competition helped generate a wide range of case studies that showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of participating Chambers and inspiring others, submitted projects ranged from networking and diversity initiatives to employment and membership drives.
The World Chambers Competition is the only global awards programme to identify and reward the most innovative entrepreneurial solutions put forth by Chambers of Commerce around the world to address today’s most pressing global challenges. An international jury, comprising ICC World Chambers Federation leadership, along with representatives from transnational, national, and local chambers, is responsible for shortlisting category finalists.
