In historic move, UN grants International Chamber of Commerce observer status

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Devex

Completing a process that began about five years ago, the International Chamber of Commerce became the first business organization to receive observer status at the United Nations last month, a decision that signals increasing private sector engagement at the institution.

“It’s about time business is part of that discussion and problem-solving mechanism,” said John Danilovich, the secretary general of the ICC.

While the decision is historic, it comes as a result of a growing recognition that the private sector needs to be part of solving global challenges, as evidenced by the influence companies had on the Paris climate agreement and in shaping the 2030 agenda. The ICC — and the tens of thousands of companies and associations it represents — now has a formal avenue to present and move forward ideas they believe will have an economic, political and social benefit. It’s an achievement that didn’t come without its challenges.

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