UN grants observer status to ICC

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly yesterday granted Observer Status to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)—the world’s largest business organisation representing more than six million members in over 100 countries. 

The decision—taken by 193 members of the UN General Assembly during its on-going 71st session in New York—is the first time that a business organisation has been admitted as an Observer at the UN General Assembly. The list of UN observers is highly restricted and features principally intergovernmental organisations.
The new role for ICC means that business will for the first time have direct voice in the UN system. The decision paves 
the way for ICC to contribute directly to the work of the General Assembly and reflects the vital role the private sector will play in implementing the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  
ICC Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said: “This is huge recognition of the role that business can play in contributing to a better and peaceful world. There is only one route to meeting the many challenges that face our society—from climate change to mass migration—and that is for governments and civil society to work hand-in-hand with the private sector.
“Granting Observer Status to ICC sends a powerful signal that the UN recognizes business as a vital partner. We stand ready to ensure that the private sector plays a full role in meeting the ambition of the 2030 agenda.”
The resolution to grant observer status to ICC was submitted by France—ICC’s host country—and was supported by 22 other Member States. 

UN grants observer status to ICC

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly yesterday granted Observer Status to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)the worlds largest business organisation representing more than six million members in over 100 countries. The decisiontaken by 193 members of the UN General Assembly during its on-going 71st session in New Yorkis the first time that a business organisation has been admitted as an Observer at the UN General Assembly. The list of UN observers is highly restricted and features principally intergovernmental organisations. The new role for ICC means that business will for the first time have direct voice in the UN system. The decision paves the way for ICC to contribute directly to the work of the General Assembly and reflects the vital role the private sector will play in implementing the UNs 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ICC Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said: This is huge recognition of the role that business can play in contributing to a better and peaceful world. There is only one route to meeting the many challenges that face our societyfrom climate change to mass migrationand that is for governments and civil society to work hand-in-hand with the private sector. Granting Observer Status to ICC sends a powerful signal that the UN recognizes business as a vital partner. We stand ready to ensure that the private sector plays a full role in meeting the ambition of the 2030 agenda. The resolution to grant observer status to ICC was submitted by FranceICCs host countryand was supported by 22 other Member States.