World Chambers Congress in Dubai analyses evolving role of chambers in post-COVID era

World Chambers Congress in Dubai analyses evolving role of chambers in post-COVID era. Opportunities and trends emerging in the post-COVID digital era will be highlighted at the 12th World Chambers Congress (#12WCC) in Dubai, where chamber leaders and members, prominent business leaders, and industry experts will gather to share their insights and experiences in dealing with disruption and improving their preparedness for future challenges.

The three-day event, themed Generation Next: Chambers 4.0, will include more than 44 thought-provoking sessions aimed at addressing pressing issues facing chambers of commerce today, promoting knowledge sharing, showcasing chamber-led innovation success stories, and assessing chambers’ digital fitness.

On the first day of the Congress, plenary sessions will look at how chambers can work together as a global movement to stay relevant in a fast-changing business world, as well as the digital revolution and the opportunities it brings, such as remote working and hybrid events, as well as increased international cooperation in the “new era of Chambers 4.0.”

In a session titled Fit for Digital, a panel of industry leaders will discuss how they made digital disruption work for their businesses. During this interactive session, delegates will be able to assess their digital fitness with a tool created specifically for the #12WCC.

Later in the day, a two-part discussion covers the event’s overall theme, with the first half looking at how chambers should prepare for Chamber Model Innovation. Part two shows how chambers can assess their strengths and limitations and work together to achieve mutual goals. It puts theory into reality by laying out the steps needed to get from Chambers 3.0 to Chambers 4.0.

The plenary talks on day two will focus on how chambers might adapt to meet the needs of Generation Z, which is projected to be the most disruptive generation. Building Business Resilience is a session that addresses how businesses and chambers can reorganise existing models and human capital to adapt to the “new normal,” as well as collaborate with public and private sector stakeholders to ensure business continuity and boost economic competitiveness.

Delegates will be challenged to reconsider their present approach to issue solving and create novel solutions that can bring value not only to chamber members, but also to their respective economies and societies, during sessions on the third and final day of the Congress.

The Congress comes to a close with a handover ceremony, during which Dubai Chamber will emphasise lessons learned from the 12th World Chambers Congress before officially transferring the baton to the co-organiser of the 13th World Chambers Congress, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services.

H.E. Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber and Chair of the ICC’s World Chambers Federation, spoke about the importance of hosting the 12th World Chambers Congress in Dubai, describing it as an ideal platform for chamber leaders to expand their knowledge, connect with industry experts, and develop new action plans to improve their business models and competitiveness.

“The strong interest we’ve seen in the lead up to the #12WCC reflects a growing awareness within the global chambers community, which is fast realising the importance of investing in advance technologies and embracing innovation to adapt to the evolving needs of member companies,” said H.E. Buamim.

H.E. Buamim stated that Dubai Chamber has played a critical role in ensuring business continuity by creating new channels for public-private sector cooperation while dealing with disruption and new challenges, all while keeping up with the changing needs of our 275,000 members. He also stated that Dubai Chamber looks forward to sharing its experience and learning from other chambers that have reinvented their approach in the COVID-era.

John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce said: “Addressing global challenges in the digital and post- COVID world requires new forms of leadership, including from chambers of commerce. Two years in the making, the Congress will equip the chamber and business communities with insight and tools to effectively respond to the needs of the real economy, enable a resilient post-pandemic recovery and enable more widespread peace and prosperity for all.”

The World Chambers Congress brings together influential leaders and thinkers to promote change through debate and collaboration. The event attracts more than 1,200 international attendees from over 100 countries, with 80 speakers leading 44 sessions.