CACCI President Peter McMullin represented CACCI on the Transnational Chamber panel discussion during the 13th World Chambers Congress in Geneva

CACCI President Peter McMullin attended the 13th World Chambers Congress in Geneva, Switzerland in June 14 and 15, 2023. The Congress had three major themes this year:

(1) Demystifying Multilateralism: How can we come together to maximise both personal and common concern for people and planet?

(2) Innovation by all and for all: How do we support entrepreneurs and innovators to build the inclusive and sustainable businesses for the future?

(3) Future-proof sustainability: How do we truly transition to a just and sustainable economy?

President McMullin AM has the privileged to speak on a ‘Transnational Chamber’ panel discussion. The panel consisted of global chamber networks such as Junior Chambers International (JCI) as well as transnational chambers from Africa and the Middle-East. He remarked that CACCI had much in common and much to add to the global debate around the role of chambers of commerce in the 21st century.

As part of his role at the Congress, Mr. McMullin was also a judge for the ‘most unconventional chamber project’. A strong field of three remaining chambers reached the final stage of the competition. All three were compelling, with the winner being the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. Their ‘Solar Chamber’ project tackled the high energy cost for business through building a solar photovoltaic unit with a capacity of 100 kilowatts. This unit is sufficient to cover their entire market’s energy needs and is linked to the grid to sell the surplus energy generated, which increases sustainability and income for the chamber. A great example of sustainability and financial opportunity!

President McMullin (third from left) with VCCI President Adrian Kloeden (second from left) and the CIECA and CNAIC delegates from Taiwan

Perhaps the greatest highlight of the visit to Geneva was meeting with the delegation from our Primary Member organisations from Taiwan – the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA), Taiwan and the Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce, Taiwan (CNAIC). It was good to spend some time with my CIECA and CNAIC friends after our recent visit to Taipei, and thank them for their warm hospitality.

During the closing ceremony, it was revealed that the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) would be hosting the 2025 World Chambers Congress in my hometown of Melbourne. As former Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne and former President of VCCI, I look forward to welcoming you all to Australia.