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< Back Professor Dr Niek Peters Legaltree Arbitrator Biography Professor Dr Niek Peters is a partner at Legaltree and professor of international commercial arbitration at the University of Groningen. Niek sits as arbitrator (sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator and chair) in commercial arbitrations, both ad hoc (including UNCITRAL) and institutional (e.g. , ICC, NAI, LCIA, UNUM). He also acts as counsel in commercial arbitrations and court litigation, including setting aside and enforcement proceedings. Niek‘s practice, both as counsel and arbitrator, focuses on the energy sector, the construction sector, the transport sector, the financial services sector and international trade. Many cases concern contractual disputes and damages claims. In this context, Niek also has experience with shareholder disputes, joint venture disputes, post M&A disputes and professional liability claims. Many of Niek’s cases have an international element and are governed by foreign law. Niek is a board member of the Royal Netherlands Association for International Law and the Dutch Arbitration Association. He is also a delegate to the ICC’s International Commission on Arbitration & ADR. During his career he has published many books and articles on arbitration, private international law and liability law. In Legal500 Niek has been recognized as a leading individual in the field of arbitration and he has been in included in Who’s Who Legal for many years. In Who‘s Who Legal he has been described as “a great attorney ”, “a clever practitioner ”, “quick minded and smart ”, “extremely thorough ”, “with a strong knowledge of arbitration law ”, and with “the ability to find practical and effective solutions to difficult issues ”. In Legal500 it was stated that Niek has “a strong legal knowledge ” and “a strong intellect ”, and that he “combines high-level academic knowledge with practical experience ” that “helps to solve the most difficult questions ” in “a low-key, can-do approach ”. "Nothing beats a well-prepared arbitrator" -Niek Peters Contact Details Netherlands +31 20 80 06 367 niek.peters@legaltree.nl Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken Dutch, English Specialisation Commercial, Investment / Public International Law, Joint Ventures, Corporate Law / M&A, Mass Claims Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

< Back < Previous | Next > Paperless Trade Pilot Handbook – Road to a broader Digital Trade Eriáne Marsera 3 Nov 2025 Paperless trade is no longer a distant aspiration; It is today’s most practical lever for cutting cost, time, and risk in cross-border commerce. Paperless Trade Pilot Handbook – Road to a broader Digital Trade “Paperless trade is no longer a distant aspiration; It is today’s most practical lever for cutting cost, time, and risk in cross-border commerce.” In October 2025, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) released the P aperless Trade Pilot Handbook , a practical guide designed to help governments and businesses implement paperless trade systems. The handbook arrives at a critical time for global trade, marked by geopolitical uncertainty, disrupted supply chains, and growing pressure to improve efficiency and resilience in cross-border commerce. The handbook outlines six essential steps for designing and executing effective pilot projects: Define vision and objectives – Set a clear, measurable purpose aligned with stakeholder priorities. Recruit key stakeholders – Build a balanced team of core experts and support roles. Map the current trade process – Identify inefficiencies and assess digital readiness. Develop the pilot framework – Define scope, milestones, and roles. Assemble metrics for success – Use KPIs and OKRs to measure impact and align contributions. Pilot and iterate – Launch, monitor, refine, and scale based on feedback. The playbook emphasizes starting small , focusing on one corridor, process, or document and scaling based on results. It is designed for a broad community of digital trade advocates, including public agencies, banks, logistics providers, and technology platforms. Connecting to Global Digital Trade Developments The handbook is deeply connected to international efforts to modernize trade, particularly through the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) . MLETR provides a legal framework that gives electronic trade documents such as bills of lading and warehouse receipts, the same legal status as paper ones. This removes legal barriers to paperless trade and enables faster, more secure, and more efficient transactions. Another key enabler is interoperability , the ability of legal, technical, and organizational systems to work together across borders. Interoperability ensures that electronic documents and data can be exchanged and recognized internationally, legal frameworks are aligned, and systems like customs and finance platforms can integrate seamlessly. Without it, digital trade remains fragmented and inefficient. Together, MLETR and interoperability form the foundation for a globally harmonized digital trade environment. The ICC DSI’s mission is to turn these principles into practical implementation, and the handbook is a key tool in that effort. Why This Matters for Dutch Businesses and Policymakers The Netherlands, a major global trading hub, stands to gain significantly from adopting paperless trade. However, as of October 2025, the country has not yet fully incorporated digital trade into its Civil Code ( Burgerlijk Wetboek ) . A draft bill, Bill No. 36 743 , has been introduced to recognize electronic bills of lading (eBLs) , aligning with MLETR. While this is a positive step, broader adoption is needed to cover other key trade documents. The ICC Netherlands, along with a coalition of banks, businesses, and trade associations, has called on Parliament to accelerate MLETR adoption . The September 2025 white paper outlines the practical benefits and urges swift legislative action. You can access the white paper here: ICC Netherlands | September White Paper Key benefits for the Netherlands include: Efficiency and Speed : A pilot between Rotterdam and Singapore showed that using eBLs can reduce document processing time from 6–10 days to under 24 hours. Cost Reduction and Trade Growth : SMEs could see up to a 35% drop in administrative costs and a 13% boost in trade, based on UK findings. Competitiveness : With countries like the UK and France already implementing MLETR, the Netherlands risks falling behind if it delays. Trade Finance Acceleration : Digital documents speed up financing processes, saving days in transaction time. Sustainability and Logistics Optimization : Digitalization reduces delays, lowers CO₂ emissions, and improves supply chain efficiency. Legal Certainty : Recognizing electronic documents gives businesses clarity and flexibility, allowing them to choose between paper and digital formats. Call to Action for Dutch Policymakers To fully realize the benefits of paperless trade, Dutch policymakers must act decisively. The introduction of Bill No. 36 743 is a promising start, but broader legislative reform is urgently needed to align the Civil Code with international standards like MLETR. Parliament should prioritize the recognition of all key electronic trade documents and ensure legal interoperability with global partners. By accelerating digital trade legislation, the Netherlands can: · Cement its role as a leader in global commerce. · Empower SMEs with faster, cheaper, and more secure trade processes. · Enhance sustainability and supply chain resilience. · Ensure Dutch businesses remain competitive in a rapidly digitizing world. Now is the time to move from pilot to policy.

< Back < Previous | Next > The Eight Key Benefits of ICC Arbitration for Business Disputes Tom Scott 2 Jan 2026 The Eight Key Benefits of ICC Arbitration for Business Disputes When settling business disputes, choosing ICC arbitration over regular court systems offers businesses a wealth of advantages. We spoke to ICC Netherlands’ Secretary General Laure Jacquier to find out more. Here’s what we discovered: the eight key benefits of ICC arbitration. It’s hard to rank the advantages of ICC arbitration in order of importance. That’s because every dispute is different. That said, the key advantages below help explain why so many businesses turn to arbitration as a dispute resolution method. 1. Confidentiality: the foundation of trust Confidentiality is often the first benefit businesses mention when discussing arbitration. Unlike court proceedings, which are usually public, arbitration takes place behind closed doors. For companies dealing with sensitive commercial data, trade secrets or reputational risks, privacy is crucial. By keeping disputes out of the public eye, ICC arbitration allows parties to focus on finding solutions rather than managing unwanted exposure. “This level of privacy can be critical for maintaining a competitive edge and protecting a company’s reputation,” Laure explains. “ICC arbitration gives businesses peace of mind, knowing their interests are safeguarded.” 2. Efficiency instead of prolonged litigation Another major advantage is efficiency. Court cases can drag on for years, often involving appeals that add more time, cost and uncertainty (the very three things that are not included in a company’s strategic plan). In fast-moving industries, in particular, any time that can be saved makes a real difference. “In contrast, ICC arbitration is designed to move cases forward efficiently,” says Laure. “The ICC applies strict timelines, offers discounted fees if arbitrators are late in issuing awards, and provides expedited procedures where appropriate. This allows companies to resolve disputes faster and return their focus to running the business.” 3. Flexibility built around business needs Companies like to set their own agendas. As such, ICC arbitration offers a level of flexibility that court systems rarely match. Instead of rigid procedural rules, parties can tailor the process to fit the unique needs of their own dispute. This includes choosing arbitrators with relevant expertise and shaping how and where proceedings are held. “Parties can agree on the language, location, and procedural timetable,” Laure notes. “The process is designed with business realities in mind.” 4. Global enforceability under the New York Convention For companies operating across borders, enforceability is a massive concern. However, thanks to the New York Convention, ICC arbitration awards are recognized and enforceable in more than 170 countries. This means national courts in contracting states are generally required to enforce arbitral awards, subject to limited exceptions. “International enforceability is a major advantage,” says Laure. “It offers a level of certainty that court judgments don’t always provide, particularly when recognition across jurisdictions is uncertain.” What does this means in practical terms? “It ensures that an award carries real weight; it’s not just symbolic.” 5. A cost-effective option in the long run Although arbitration is sometimes seen as expensive, ICC arbitration often proves more cost-effective than lengthy court litigation. Prolonged lawsuits can generate high legal fees, court costs, and indirect business disruption. With its streamlined procedures, ICC arbitration “often results in lower overall costs,” Laure explains. “That allows businesses to focus on growth instead of mounting legal expenses.” 6. Impartiality and strong institutional oversight Neutrality is essential in international disputes. ICC arbitration addresses this through strict standards governing arbitrator independence and expertise. “Arbitrators are selected based on their independence and qualifications, ensuring decisions are made solely on the merits of the case,” Laure says. “Combined with oversight by the ICC International Court of Arbitration, this provides businesses with confidence in a fair and objective process.” 7. Predictability and procedural control Unlike congested court systems, ICC arbitration gives parties greater control over timelines and procedures. “Parties can agree on deadlines and structure the process to suit their needs,” Laure explains. “That predictability helps businesses manage disputes without unnecessary disruption. For ongoing operations, that level of control can be invaluable.” 8. Expert-driven decision-making Finally, ICC arbitration allows disputes to be decided by arbitrators with industry-specific expertise. The flipside to this is that court judges may not always have specialized knowledge of complex commercial or technical issues. “This expertise leads to more informed and commercially sensible decisions,” Laure concludes. “Businesses benefit from the insight of professionals who truly understand their industry.”

< Back < Previous | Next > Shaping the next chapter of global trade: the business agenda for MC14 27 Feb 2026 Ahead of WTO MC14, 145 business organisations are urging reform and renewal of the digital trade Moratorium. This will have direct implications on legal certainty, cross-border data flows and the competitiveness of Dutch companies operating globally. Shaping the Next Chapter of Global Trade: The Business Agenda for MC14 In March 2026, ministers will gather in Yaoundé for the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization. The conference takes place at a time of increased trade tensions, expanding unilateral measures and growing uncertainty in global markets. For the Netherlands – one of the most open and trade-dependent economies in the world – this context has direct implications. Dutch companies operate in global value chains that depend on predictable market access, enforceable trade rules and stable digital connectivity. When those conditions weaken, businesses face higher compliance costs, greater contractual risk and more complex supply chain management. Against this backdrop, 145 chambers of commerce and business associations from all regions have endorsed a Global Business Statement urging WTO Members to launch a structured, time-bound reform process at MC14. The statement calls for restoring the WTO’s ability to negotiate updated rules, resolve disputes effectively and provide transparency in global trade. 2026-icc-MC14-Global-Business-Statement-1st-release-145-signatories .pdf Download PDF • 71KB Alongside systemic reform, the signatories underline an immediate priority: renewing the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions. The Moratorium, first introduced in 1998, prevents governments from imposing customs duties on cross-border electronic transmissions. Its renewal is once again on the MC14 agenda. Why this matters for Dutch business The Dutch government’s official position ahead of MC14 confirms that a well-functioning WTO remains essential for Dutch and European prosperity. Approximately three-quarters of global trade continues to take place under WTO rules. For a country that accounts for roughly 3% of world trade, the stability of that framework is not optional. The WTO underpins several practical aspects of business operations: Market access predictability. Exporters rely on bound tariff commitments and non-discrimination principles when entering foreign markets. Dispute settlement. When trade rules are breached, a functioning dispute mechanism provides legal recourse rather than political escalation. Level playing field. Clear disciplines on subsidies and state intervention help ensure fair competition. Digital continuity. Cross-border data flows increasingly support logistics, finance, professional services and advanced manufacturing. When institutional processes stall or enforcement weakens, uncertainty increases. This can translate into delayed investment decisions, higher risk premiums and more complex compliance requirements. The Dutch “Kaderinstructie” for MC14 highlights the importance of safeguarding core WTO principles, advancing institutional reform and maintaining the Moratorium on electronic transmissions. These priorities closely align with the positions articulated by the International Chamber of Commerce at global level. From institutional debate to operational consequences The discussion around the e-commerce Moratorium illustrates how systemic issues translate directly into operational business impact. For nearly three decades, WTO Members have refrained from applying customs duties to electronic transmissions. This has provided legal certainty for cloud computing, data analytics, software distribution and digitally enabled services. If the Moratorium were not renewed at MC14, WTO Members would be free to introduce such duties. For companies relying on cross-border cloud infrastructure, this could lead to: Higher recurring operational costs; Reassessment of data storage and processing architecture; Fragmentation of IT systems across jurisdictions; Increased administrative complexity. An example cited in ICC discussions is HARA, an Indonesian agri-tech company that relies on global cloud services to process satellite imagery and verified farmer data. The affordability of cross-border digital services enables traceability, financial inclusion and export compliance. Additional duties on electronic transmissions would directly increase costs and affect scalability. While the Dutch economic structure differs, the underlying exposure is comparable. Dutch logistics operators, agri-food exporters, fintech companies and technology firms rely heavily on integrated digital services across borders. Even moderate cost increases or regulatory fragmentation can have cumulative effects, particularly for SMEs. In this sense, the Moratorium is not a technical trade provision; it forms part of the infrastructure that supports modern commerce. ICC’s global advocacy and business mobilisation In preparation for MC14, ICC has issued a Call to Action urging WTO Members to launch formal reform negotiations with a concrete work programme. Key elements include: Addressing institutional blockages that affect decision-making and plurilateral agreements; Reinforcing dispute settlement mechanisms; Ensuring structured engagement of the private sector; Committing to a standstill on new trade-restrictive measures; and Maintaining the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions. The Global Business Statement, now endorsed by 145 organisations worldwide, demonstrates broad cross-regional support for these priorities. The objective is pragmatic: restore confidence in the multilateral trading system and ensure it remains relevant to contemporary trade realities. ICC Netherlands: connecting global advocacy and national input At national level, ICC Netherlands convened a round table on 29 January to gather input from Dutch companies and partner organisations ahead of MC14. Discussions addressed dispute settlement, industrial subsidies, digital trade, sustainability and the broader reform agenda. The insights collected were transmitted to ICC’s global network and contributed to shaping the international business position. Importantly, there is substantial alignment between ICC advocacy and the Dutch government’s official MC14 framework. Such alignment enhances policy coherence. When national positions reflect practical business considerations, and those positions are reinforced at global level, the likelihood of consistent implementation increases. For internationally active companies, this consistency contributes to predictability. Looking ahead to MC14 MC14 is unlikely to resolve all systemic challenges facing the WTO. However, several outcomes would provide tangible value for business: Launching a structured reform process with defined timelines; Renewing the Moratorium to preserve digital trade stability; Reinforcing dialogue mechanisms that integrate private sector expertise into reform discussions. In the weeks leading up to MC14, ICC Netherlands will continue engaging with members and stakeholders to ensure that Dutch business perspectives remain visible in international discussions. Members wishing to contribute can: Participate in ICC NL trade and digitalisation workstreams; Share operational experiences related to digital trade, supply chain challenges or regulatory barriers; Endorse the Global Business Statement in support of WTO reform and Moratorium renewal. The multilateral trading system remains a cornerstone of international commerce. While reform is necessary, continuity and predictability remain essential. The decisions taken at MC14 will influence not only institutional dynamics, but also the daily operating environment of companies trading across borders. ICC Netherlands will continue to provide a channel for constructive business input as this process unfolds.

< Back < Previous | Next > Trade & Investment Reimagining WTO Dispute Settlement: a business case for mediation 14 May 2025 Mediation under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Understanding can help governments resolve trade frictions faster, cheaper and more constructively – if they’re willing to use it. ICC is making the case. Most trade frictions never reach WTO dispute settlement. Many business concerns – licensing delays, technical barriers or opaque procedures – disrupt trade but are too small, sensitive or costly to escalate to formal dispute settlement. That’s where alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and more specifically mediation, comes in. WTO rules already allow for it, but the tool has not been used, among other things, due to a lack of clear procedures. That’s changing. As part of the WTO reform process, WTO Members are discussing procedural rules to make mediation a workable option – and we can help accelerate this process by supporting governments willing to pilot mediation in practice. Why it matters For business Companies face real costs from unresolved trade frictions. Mediation offers a practical and quicker way to resolve issues – and businesses can help identify where it’s needed. For governments Mediation gives WTO Members a lower-risk, lower-cost path to resolve trade issues early. It is especially important for developing countries that may lack resources for litigation. The benefits of WTO mediation Enables early, informal resolution of trade concerns Reduces time, cost, and legal burden Promotes cooperation—not confrontation Offers a flexible and confidential process No imposed ruling —outcomes are mutually agreed What we are doing ICC is advocating for the use of ADR, and in particular mediation within the WTO dispute settlement system as part of broader reform efforts. Drawing on ICC’s extensive experience as the world’s leading institution in cross-border dispute resolution, we’re supporting efforts to make mediation a practical option for resolving trade frictions more effectively. How you can get involved We are actively seeking companies with unresolved trade concerns who are willing to engage their governments in pilot mediation cases. These cases can help demonstrate how WTO mediation can deliver fast, practical outcomes and strengthen trust in the rules-based system. Contact Valerie Picard, Head of Trade, ICC, Valerie.Picard@iccwbo.org to learn more or explore a pilot case.

< Back < Previous | Next > CBAM enters a definitive phase: what businesses need to know Nina Wildemast 25 Feb 2026 With CBAM now in its definitive phase, carbon exposure has become a financial and operational reality for importers. What does this mean for margins, customs compliance and supply chain strategy in 2026 and beyond? CBAM enters a definitive phase: what businesses need to know As of 1 January 2026, the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) entered its definitive phase. After two years of transitional reporting, the system is now moving to a stage in which financial consequences will occur over time for importers of CBAM-covered goods. During the transitional period, companies were mainly required to report the embedded emissions of certain imported products. From 2026 onwards, CBAM shifts from simply reporting to a financial mechanism. Importers will ultimately need to purchase and turn in CBAM certificates that correspond to the embedded emissions of their goods. The price of these certificates is linked to the EU Emissions Trading System. CBAM currently applies to iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity. In the first week of the definitive phase, more than 10,000 customs declarations containing CBAM goods were recorded, with iron and steel accounting for the majority. This means that CBAM is no longer theoretical. It is operational and already affecting trade flows. In mid-December, the European Commission published a large package of implementing rules to make the system operational. These rules cover verification, the CBAM Registry, authorised declarant status, default values and the calculation of embedded emissions. This provides more clarity, but it also adds significant technical detail for companies to consider. A key requirement is about Authorised CBAM Declarant status. From March 2026 onwards, importers above the applicable threshold must hold this status in order to import CBAM goods into the EU. Obtaining the authorisation is not simply a formality. It requires companies to demonstrate compliance capacity and financial guarantees in certain cases. For businesses that rely on indirect customs representatives, liability allocation and contractual arrangements may require careful review. The calculation of embedded emissions is essential for the mechanism. Companies can use actual emissions data from producers or rely on default values given by the Commission. However, default values are set up to become increasingly strict over time. In 2026, default values will already include a mark-up, and this will increase in the following years. As a result, relying on default values can significantly raise carbon costs compared to using verified actual data. At the same time, the use of actual emissions requires verification by a verifier accredited by the EU. This may cause practical problems, especially in the first year of implementation. The full list of accredited verifiers is expected later in 2026, which raises questions about verification capacity and the timing. Companies will need to carefully assess the readiness of their data and verification planning in order to avoid last minute issues. CBAM certificates work as digital tools that represent one tonne of embedded CO2. Their price will reflect the average EU ETS price. In 2026, pricing will be based on quarterly averages, while from 2027 onwards the prices will be published every week. The first annual CBAM declaration and receiving the certificates will be due by 30 September 2027. From 2027, authorised declarants will also be required to hold a minimum number of certificates during the year. This introduces additional cash flow considerations. The Commission is already considering whether CBAM should be extended to additional downstream products. If that happens, more types of goods could fall under the system in the coming years. At the same time, further clarification is still expected on how carbon prices that have already been paid in the country of production will be taken into account when calculating CBAM costs. For companies involved in international trade, CBAM is therefore not just another environmental rule. It changes how imports are handled in practice. It has an impact on purchasing decisions, supplier relationships, data collection and financial planning. Having reliable emissions data, clear insight into supply chains and early coordination with producers outside the EU will be increasingly important. Businesses should evaluate whether their current systems allow them to accurately track embedded emissions, whether agreements with suppliers clearly define responsibilities for data and verification, and how possible carbon costs can affect pricing and competitiveness. In sectors such as iron and steel in particular, the impact could be significant. CBAM aims to link climate policy more closely with trade. The system will continue to develop, and further changes can be expected. ICC will continue to follow these developments closely, engage with members and contribute to discussions on practical implementation. It remains important that the mechanism is workable, predictable and proportionate for internationally active businesses. What Remains Uncertain Several elements are still evolving: Final rules on carbon price paid outside the EU. Potential extension to downstream products. Practical experience with verifier capacity. Development of parallel CBAM regimes in other jurisdictions. For internationally active firms, multiple border carbon systems could emerge rather than convergence toward a single framework. That possibility should be considered in medium-term compliance planning. Practical Priorities for 2026 Confirm authorised declarant status and review contractual allocation of liability. Quantify financial exposure under both default and verified emissions scenarios. Strengthen supply chain data protocols , particularly for precursor products. Integrate CBAM into financial planning , rather than treating it as a reporting obligation. Early alignment reduces the risk of customs disruption and unexpected certificate costs.

< Back < Previous | Next > Climate change ICC joins Business Call to Action to accelerate global cooperation for our oceans 10 Jun 2025 In a joint Business Call to Action more than 80 businesses and supporting organisations from 25 countries, including 55 businesses representing over €600 billion in turnover and 2 million employees, urged both private and public decisions-makers to strengthen global cooperation and accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. As the largest business association in the world, the International Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a convener of this important call to action, bringing the voice of the global business community to the United Nations Ocean Conference. Download The call is convened by an unprecedented coalition of business networks, supported by signatories, including 80 businesses with a combined turnover of over €$600 billion and 2 million employees. In anticipation of the upcoming 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France,the call builds on the experience of leading businesses and organisations already advancing a sustainable blue economy. It emphasises the intrinsic connection between land and sea, highlighting the contribution and interdependencies between coastal and marine environment and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This call is directed at all economic actors, whether directly or indirectly connected to the ocean, and includes: A call to action for businesses to expedite maintaining ocean health through business actions, such as contributions to ocean science, monitoring and reducing environmental impacts, incorporating ocean considerations into their climate and nature roadmaps and investing in blue solutions. A call to action for policy makers to pursue ambitious science-driven policies and measures that stimulate sustainable business action and to jointly address land and ocean for enhanced global resilience With this Business Call to Action, companies and business networks urge policymakers to: Agree to adopt and implement international agreements: champion strong, sustainable outcomes for existing and upcoming ocean-related agreements, Invest in ocean science and support strong science-policy interfaces, Acknowledge and embed into policies the links between ocean, nature and climate, Help all actors to collectively adapt to sea-level rise, Develop robust and innovative finance mechanisms, Raise awareness to encourage all actors to care for the ocean, even those based on land. This business declaration is still open to new signatories. For information on signing this declaration please contact: Daniel Grajales, Global Policy Manager - Environment daniel.grajales@iccwbo.org The Business Call to Action is convened by global and leading business networks including International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Economic Forum (WEF), We Mean Business Coalition (WMB), Business for Nature (BfN), Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), UN Global Compact Network France and Association française des Entreprises pour l’Environnement (EpE).

< Back < Previous | Next > Business Business responds to US reciprocal tariff plan 2 Apr 2025 Following the announcement of the US reciprocal tariff plan, the International Chamber of Commerce has issued a statement describing the new measures as a shock to the global trading system that need not result in a systemic crisis. Speaking on behalf of more than 45 million companies in over 170 countries, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said: “What we’ve seen today represents a watershed moment in American trade policy that poses severe downside risks to the global economy. To put this in historical context, effective US tariff rates now stand at a level not seen since the 1930s — and cover a significantly higher proportion of American GDP than the infamous Smoot-Hawley Act. “This is, without doubt, a shock to the global trading system but it need not result in a systemic crisis. The US is an economic superpower but only accounts for 13% of global imports. How other nations respond to the new duties will ultimately determine the scale and depth of any economic fallout from “Liberation Day”. We continue to encourage governments to place an emphasis on negotiation and de-escalation to the greatest extent possible — tariff retaliation is a lose-lose game. “We are immediately concerned by the potential impact of the severe tariffs imposed on a range of emerging economies — an approach which risks further damaging the development prospects of countries already facing worsening terms of trade. “Businesses across our network will be seeking urgent clarification from the relevant US authorities on how new country-level tariffs will be applied in practice — including on how they interact with sector-specific duties and rules of origin requirements. Given the almost immediate entry into force of the new measures, there is a clear risk of costly supply chain disruptions and customs backlogs absent of express guidance being provided in a timely manner. “From a broader perspective, it’s clear that the measures announced today present a fundamental challenge to the rules-based governance of trade. In addition to responding bilaterally to the US administration, we also need to see governments taking action to safeguard the multilateral system — and set the foundations for its eventual revitalisation. “ Predictability and certainty are fundamental to cross-border commerce . We fully appreciate the US administration’s desire to secure a level playing field for international trade but remain deeply sceptical that a tariff escalation of this scale can deliver on that goal — multilateral solutions will ultimately be needed to resolve longstanding inefficiencies and inequities in the global trading system.”

< Back < Previous | Next > OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum 2026 Françoise Rost Van Tonningen 23 Mar 2026 At the 2026 OECD Integrity Forum, integrity and responsible business conduct emerged as strategic, data-driven drivers of competitiveness, requiring stronger integration with ESG, risk management and governance. OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum 2026 The 2026 OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum in Paris brought together representatives from governments, businesses, international organisations, academia and civil society to exchange insights across a wide range of sessions on the role of integrity and responsible business conduct in today’s global economy. The central theme of the Forum, “The Integrity Advantage: Powering Competitiveness and Prosperity,” clearly reflected a shift in thinking: integrity and responsible business conduct (RBC) are no longer viewed solely as compliance requirements, but increasingly as drivers of economic performance, resilience and trust. Throughout the Forum, it became clear that strong integrity frameworks and responsible business conduct practices are essential for well-functioning markets and sustainable growth. Companies with robust systems in place are better positioned to manage risk, prevent and detect corruption, attract investment and operate successfully in complex global environments. At the same time, expectations are increasing, with stronger enforcement, more cross-border cooperation and a growing use of sanctions and anti-corruption regulatory tools. A recurring theme in the discussions was the need to move away from siloed approaches. Integrity, anti-corruption, responsible business conduct, sustainability (ESG), due diligence and risk management can no longer be treated as separate domains. Instead, organisations are expected to move towards more integrated approaches, where these elements are aligned across governance structures, embedded in decision-making and applied consistently throughout supply chains. The launch of the OECD Anti-Corruption & Integrity Outlook 2026 (“Harnessing the Integrity Advantage”) reinforced this direction. The report provides a comprehensive overview of integrity and anti-corruption systems and highlights both progress and persistent implementation gaps. 2026 OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum A central component of the Outlook is the further development of the OECD Public Integrity Indicators, which offer a data-driven framework to assess the strength of public integrity systems. They provide practical value for businesses, for example in country risk assessment, supply-chain due diligence and benchmarking of compliance programmes. OECD Public Integrity Indicators In addition to the OECD work, the World Bank contributed to the discussions at both the Forum and the ICC Global Business Integrity Commission side event, bringing a broader perspective on business environments and regulatory frameworks. In this context, the World Bank’s B-READY programme is particularly relevant, as it provides a comprehensive assessment of the conditions for doing business across the full business lifecycle. Another important topic was the growing role of technology. Digital tools, including data analytics and artificial intelligence, are increasingly used to detect and prevent corruption and strengthen integrity systems. A particularly strong and recurring theme across sessions was the increasing impact of organised crime, reinforcing the need for stronger due diligence and supply-chain monitoring. A dedicated session (based on the multi-year Project since 2019 in Latin America and the Caribbean) on due diligence as the backbone of supply chain management, organised by the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct, the UN Global Compact Network Brazil and ICC Brazil, provided further practical insights. The discussions highlighted the move from traditional anti-corruption compliance approaches towards risk-based responsible business conduct due diligence, which focuses on continuous identification and mitigation of risks across the supply chain. This requires a more holistic approach, whereby internal collaboration across compliance, procurement, legal and sustainability functions was emphasised as essential. On the sidelines of the Forum, the ICC Global Business Integrity Commission meeting provided a complementary business perspective. The discussions focused on translating global integrity and anti-corruption frameworks into practical and operational solutions, emphasising data, benchmarking, integration of ESG and compliance, and the importance of leadership and culture. Overall, the Forum and ICC discussions confirm that integrity and responsible business conduct are evolving into strategic, data-driven and integrated functions within organisations, requiring alignment between governance, sustainability and risk management. Compared to 2025, there is a noticeable shift towards geopolitical risks, organised crime and the integration of integrity into broader business frameworks. Concise report based on the information above Overall Theme The 2026 OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum was centred on: “The Integrity Advantage: Powering Competitiveness and Prosperity.” Integrity and responsible business conduct are increasingly strategic drivers of economic performance, resilience and trust, supporting competitive markets, investment and sustainable growth. Key Messages & Takeaways (OECD Forum) Integrity and responsible business conduct as strategic assets: shift from compliance to value creation. Increasing enforcement: stronger cross-border cooperation and higher expectations for compliance. Integration with sustainability: convergence of anti-corruption, ESG and due diligence. Data & benchmarking: OECD Integrity Outlook 2026 and Public Integrity Indicators.• Public-Private cooperation: whole-of-society approach. Digitalisation: AI and data analytics create opportunities and risks. Organised crime: growing systemic risk requiring risk-based responsible business conduct due diligence. ICC Global Business Integrity Commission (Side Event) As a side event of the OECD Forum, the ICC Global Business Integrity Commission provided a business-focused perspective. Key takeaways: Use of OECD indicators for benchmarking Integration of anti-corruption, ESG and responsible business due diligence Impact of geopolitical risks and sanctions Importance of leadership and culture Value of peer exchange and best practices Relevance for Dutch ICC Business Integrity Commission focus topics Sanctions : increased complexity and need for risk management Anti-corruption : stronger compliance and reporting mechanisms Integrated integrity : move to integrated ESG and compliance systems Governance : importance of board-level ethics and leadership Benchmarking : growing importance of measurable integrity systems Combined Insight Integrity and responsible business conduct are evolving into a strategic, data-driven and integrated business function aligned with governance, sustainability and risk management. Suggested Follow-Up Integration of anti-corruption and ESG Development of benchmarking approaches Addressing sanctions and geopolitical risks Strengthening supply-chain due diligence Continuity with 2025 Stronger focus on geopolitical risks, organised crime and integration of integrity with sustainability and digitalisation.

< Back < Previous | Next > Marketing & Advertising ICC Global Marketing and Advertising Commission 5 May 2025 At the 2025 ICC meeting, key updates were shared on advancing ethical advertising practices, including new policies on responsible AI use, environmental claims, and marketing to children—emphasizing the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and public trust. ICC reaffirmed its commitment to global collaboration, working with partners like EASA, ISO, and ESOMAR to align standards and promote responsible business conduct in advertising and communication. Some key highlights David Bates, Vice Chair, Europe, Public & Government Affairs, Edelman presented an overview of the 2025 Trust Barometer , providing key insights into the evolving landscape for businesses and societal sentiment. Despite businesses being more trusted than government, media and NGOs, there is a call for them to address more topical issues. This reinforces the recent ICC Advertising and Marketing Communication Code updates, including Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI), ensuring it guides businesses in tackling these critical concerns responsibly and ethically. All institutions must collaborate to rebuild trust. There was an update on the revision on the revision process/ new policy papers , all derived from the ICC Code, from leads of each of the workstreams and dialogue with the members: New policy product on the responsible use of AI in advertising (Alice Himsworth / Alexander Montgomery). A policy paper on the responsible use of AI in advertising, highlighting its pivotal role in the industry. There is still time to get involved, give feedback and help shape these important guidelines. Key concerns: transparency, labelling, privacy, bias, creation & delivery of ads and copyright. Updates on the ICC Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications, including a checklist as a starting point for practitioners (Sheila Miller) Revisions to the ICC / European Society for Opinion and Market Research (ESOMAR) International Code on Market, Opinion and Social Research and Data Analytics: the public is an important stakeholder (Anders Stenlund / Judith Passingham) Revisions to the ICC Framework for Responsible Alcohol Marketing Communications (Laura Brodie / Gabrielle Robitaille). A milestone bringing all the platforms together and publish transparency reports. Revisions to the ICC Framework for Responsible Food and Beverage Marketing Communications (Gabrielle Robitaille) Revision of the ICC Toolkit: Marketing and Advertising to Children along with a new policy paper related to responsible advertising/marketing to children and teens (Adam Ingle / Sheila Millar More general was stated that ICC is not a single topic association, but addresses broad current topics. Topics effecting everybody in the ecosystem every day. Having an informal dialogue about these topics helps to deal with them. ICC aims to contribute to trust in the marketplace, so the business community is trusted and can perform. Ludovic Basset, new Director at the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA), and Tudor Manda, Self-Regulation (SR) Development Manager, presented an overview of EASA’s network and efforts in promoting responsible advertising through Self-Regulation-Organizations (SROs) enforcement of ad standards inspired by the ICC Code. They also shared insights on how ICC and EASA can strengthen collaboration. Then the latest European and International regulatory developments related to marketing and advertising were briefly discussed. Finally, Noela Garcia, Head of Sustainability and Partnerships, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), provided an introduction to ISO and collaboration prospects. Opportunities for ICC: participate in international Standards development or other deliverables and create coherence /alignment on existing standards, participate in/co-create flagship programmes, e.g., climate and sustainability and capacity building initiatives. Facilitating collaboration between national chambers of commerce and national standards bodies to convey national trade interests in international standardization and jointly design and implement advocacy/promotional activities to advance shared vision and mission. International collaboration for responsible leadership: a shoutout to the international partners and stakeholders – EASA, as well as all national Self-Regulatory Organisations, ESOMAR, International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), and ISO for their valuable contributions and collaboration. ICC remains committed to building trust and leading the way in ethical marketing and advertising through the ICC Advertising and Marketing Communications Code. This Code is now available in many languages, including Dutch →

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< Back < Previous | Next > Leading with Integrity in the Age of Agentic AI: lessons from inside Microsoft 7 Jul 2026 A recap of our Week of Integrity webinar with Susan Du Becker, Director Risk & Compliance at Microsoft. Leading with Integrity in the Age of Agentic AI: lessons from inside Microsoft A recap of our Week of Integrity webinar with Susan Du Becker, Director Risk & Compliance at Microsoft. As part of the build-up to the Week of Integrity 2026, we hosted a webinar that many of us are still thinking about. “Leading with Integrity in the Age of Agentic AI” brought together an audience of compliance, legal, risk and governance professionals for an hour with Susan Du Becker, Director of Risk and Compliance for Microsoft’s Supply Chain Hardware team. The conversation was facilitated by Andrea Cardoso. Susan has spent years working on responsible technology inside one of the companies that helped build AI, and she brought a rare mix of hands-on experience and plain speaking. What follows is a recap of the ideas that stayed with us, and why they matter for the theme of this year’s edition, Leading with Integrity in a Digital Age. Don’t be afraid, but don’t run before you can walk Susan opened by describing her own journey into AI. Like many compliance professionals, she was focused on anti-bribery and corruption when AI arrived and, with it, a wave of enthusiasm about productivity and efficiency. She described the early feeling of trying to catch hold of “a wild beast.” Her advice to the audience was measured. “AI is a tool and AI is here to stay,” she said. “Don’t be afraid of it.” But she was equally clear that the danger is not caution, it is speed. Her recurring phrase throughout the hour was simple: don’t run before you can walk. Introduce AI, experiment with it, but keep your eyes where they need to be, and keep human oversight in place. Security matters, but don’t forget people One story captured the point better than any framework. A healthcare organisation, Susan recounted, built a staff scheduling app. It was, on paper, excellent. Staff could see their shifts at a glance. It was launched with fanfare and rolled out to everyone’s phones. And it immediately caused problems, because it had not taken account of a basic human reality: people have constraints. One person can only work certain days, another only certain shifts. The app ignored all of that. The result was real distress among staff, the app was withdrawn, and the organisation had to rebuild it. Even then, no one wanted to use it, and it took nine months to win people back. “There are ramifications for doing things too quickly without proper oversight,” Susan said. Security, she noted, is rightly a first concern, but “a lot of companies forget about people” in the rush for efficiency. Responsible AI, in her telling, is precisely the discipline of asking who and what a system affects before it goes live. Agentic AI is not ready to be left alone The conversation turned to the case many in the audience had read about: the Replit incident, in which an AI coding agent deleted a live production database during a public experiment, ignored explicit instructions, acted without permission, and then fabricated records to fill the gap. Susan was careful not to single out the company, which she respects, but she was direct about the lesson. “I don’t think we’re there with agentic yet,” she said. The appeal of agentic AI is that it can act on its own, build the thing and let you walk away. Her warning was blunt: no, you can’t. You can give AI room to move, “but you have to have oversight. I don’t care how good you are.” The Replit case matters, she added, because if it can happen to a company of experts, it raises the honest question every other organisation should ask: what about us? Integrity belongs at the start, not the end Asked where ethics and integrity fit into all of this, Susan gave perhaps her strongest answer of the hour. “Ethics and integrity should be there from the word go. I don’t think they come in anywhere.” Too often, she said, they are treated as an afterthought, something to check once the tool is built. In her view responsible AI is, at heart, about cause and effect: what does this do to you, to the business, to your neighbour? And it need not be complicated. Sometimes integrity is simply “spending time, five minutes, just thinking it through,” and taking the trouble to discuss a decision with the people it will affect. The scheduling app failed, she pointed out, not because of a technical fault but because no one paused to consider the human effect. Governance beats gadgets, and no single function owns AI Susan’s practical advice was refreshingly unglamorous. “One tool does not solve everything,” she said. Organisations chasing a single silver-bullet product, or boasting about thirty or forty AI programmes, worried her. “I’d rather deal with a company that had three or four really solid programmes with real integrity than somebody rattling out numbers left, right and centre.” Her own answer was structure rather than software: a small Centre of Excellence and an AI register, so the organisation can see what is being built, spot duplication, and catch gaps early. It was exactly such oversight, she said, that surfaced a security concern in her own team. And crucially, this is not a job for one department. “It’s not run by Fred from IT. It is a governance across all functions, because you all have a stake in it.” Every AI decision has a knock-on effect somewhere else, so the work has to be cross-functional by design. Where regulation ends, culture begins The webinar’s subtitle promised to explore where regulation ends and organisational culture begins, and Susan met it head on. She was honest, as a European, that current AI regulation is relatively weak, and that it will always lag behind business, which moves faster. But she refused to treat that as licence. “If we, as companies, do all the wrong things, the regulators will create more and more rules.” The responsibility to act well, she argued, sits with organisations themselves. She cautioned against over-pivoting on regulation and stifling business, while insisting that self-governance is “our destiny as well.” It was a fitting encapsulation of the theme: rules will only ever take you so far, and the rest is culture, judgement, and the willingness to stop and ask whether you are doing things the right way. Bringing people with you A thread ran through the audience’s questions: how do you bring people along? Susan’s answer was to explain the why rather than fall back on “because I said so,” which only sends people looking for a way around the rule. She spoke warmly about learning from younger colleagues while helping them understand why, for example, data privacy matters. Her test for making an abstract risk real was memorable. Ask someone for their bank balance, their savings, whether they have paid off their mortgage, and they recoil. Yet the same people hand over personal data without a second thought. “It’s just held a different way.” The job of anyone who understands AI, she said, is to help others understand it too, because “people can only move as quickly as the slowest person.” A way of working The conversation could easily have run another hour. What made it valuable was not a set of predictions but a way of working: curious, cautious in the right places, and unafraid to slow down. That is the spirit of the Week of Integrity 2026 and its theme, Leading with Integrity in a Digital Age. Thank you to Susan Du Becker for the time and the honest conversation, to Andrea Cardoso for guiding it, and to everyone who joined. The main week runs from 26 to 30 October, and we hope to see you there. Watch the webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qwA5iVUwWc