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Latest News Filter by Category Select Category Enter your email* Subscribe I want to receive monthly newsletter and updates from ICC Netherlands. * 21 Apr 2026 Customs at an inflection point Four trends shaping global trade compliance in 2026 Read More 6 Apr 2026 Trade & Global Economy Reflections on a career in international trade: Bart Jan Koopman on the ‘new normal’, survival mode, and the future of global commerce “Optimism is almost a responsibility. Without a healthy dose of optimism and perseverance, you won’t get anywhere.” Read More 1 Apr 2026 Digital Trade ICC Netherlands welcomes adoption of eBL legislation Electronic bills of lading now legally recognised under Dutch law, supporting faster and safer trade flows Read More 1 Apr 2026 Trade & Global Economy WTO MC14: A fragile outcome at a critical moment for global trade The outcome of WTO MC14 highlights growing strain on the multilateral trading system. With no agreement on key issues such as reform and digital trade, uncertainty persists. Read More 31 Mar 2026 Dispute Resolution Arbitration from the Corporate Perspective A conversation with Huie (Sandy) Huang Read More 25 Mar 2026 Digital Trade Orchestrating the back office of the future: why the human factor is becoming the primary vulnerability As financial institutions digitalise their back offices, fraud is evolving from technical breaches to human manipulation. What does this shift mean for control, governance and risk in increasingly automated environments? Read More 23 Mar 2026 Integrity Shifting the perspective of ethics and compliance by focusing on return-on-investment Compliance is often treated as overhead until the costs of non-compliance show up in legal fees, disruption, and lost trust. This post explains how you can reframe ethics and compliance as a value protecting system and shows how ROI language helps shift compliance from the department of no to an active safeguard and contributor of enterprise value. Read More 23 Mar 2026 Dispute Resolution ICC Executive Board approves revised Rules of Arbitration The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has approved a revised version of its Rules of Arbitration. The new Rules will enter into force on 1 June 2026. Read More 23 Mar 2026 Integrity OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum 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. Read More 20 Mar 2026 Marketing & Advertising ICC launches guidance on responsible AI in marketing As AI transforms marketing practices, ICC’s new guidance helps businesses apply established advertising standards to ensure transparency, accountability and consumer trust. Read More 17 Mar 2026 Digital Trade ICC launches global policy paper on preventing online and ICT-enabled fraud Read More 3 Mar 2026 Dispute Resolution The bigger picture of arbitration A conversation with Marc Krestin, Partner at Fieldfisher Read More 3 Mar 2026 Trade & Global Economy “Geopolitics is back in the boardroom”: a conversation with Marhijn Visser Ahead of WTO MC14, shifting trade dynamics and geopolitical pressures are directly affecting supply chain resilience, digital trade continuity and long-term planning; we discuss what Dutch business should anticipate and how engagement can strengthen predictability. Read More 2 Mar 2026 Trade & Global Economy “How Europe can stay economically strong in an age of geopolitical rivalry”: A conversation with Arend Jan Boekestijn As geopolitical rivalry increasingly shapes technology leadership, supply chains and energy security, European competitiveness depends on strategic coherence and institutional reform. We explore what this shift means for growth, resilience and long-term investment planning. Read More 27 Feb 2026 Integrity Boards under the microscope: from compliance to ethical stewardship As regulatory complexity, geopolitical pressure and AI reshape the risk landscape, how can boards transform ethics from a control function into a driver of long-term value, and what does this shift mean for today’s compliance leaders? Read More 27 Feb 2026 Trade & Global Economy Shaping the next chapter of global trade: the business agenda for MC14 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. Read More 25 Feb 2026 Climate & Sustainability CBAM enters a definitive phase: what businesses need to know 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? Read More 25 Feb 2026 Climate & Sustainability COP 31 - Implementation is the real test As preparations for COP31 move forward, climate policy is shifting from targets to delivery, with new finance rules, carbon markets and trade measures increasingly shaping investment conditions, risk management and competitiveness for internationally active Dutch businesses. Read More 25 Feb 2026 Trade & Global Economy Will the UN Tax Framework reinforce certainty or create new fragmentations? UN negotiations on a new tax framework are entering a decisive drafting phase, with potential implications for treaty networks, service taxation and dispute resolution. These developments could have a substantial impact on internationally active Dutch businesses. Read More 24 Feb 2026 Digital Trade EU AI Omnibus - ICC’s position How will the EU’s AI and Digital Omnibus adjustments affect compliance costs, cross-border data flows and AI deployment strategies? We examine the practical implications for Dutch and internationally active companies as negotiations move forward. Read More 3 Feb 2026 Digital Trade Join the ICC Global Digital Trade Sandbox Digital trade is moving from ambition to execution. The ICC Global Digital Trade Sandbox offers companies a unique, vendor-neutral environment to test real digital trade processes, contribute to global pilots, and help shape the future of cross-border trade. Read More 3 Feb 2026 Dispute Resolution A Deeper Dive into the Importance of Dispute-Resolution Clauses Dispute-resolution clauses are often treated as boilerplate — but they are anything but. In our latest interview, Marieke Schaink explains why getting them right is a core element of risk management in international contracts. Read More 3 Feb 2026 Trade & Global Economy What Geopolitical Fragmentation Means for International Business Geopolitical fragmentation is no longer a risk scenario, it is the operating environment. In our interview, Michael Every unpacks what today’s geopolitical shifts mean for international business, and why companies must rethink strategy, resilience and assumptions. Read More 29 Jan 2026 Trade & Global Economy WTO reform at a critical juncture: business, policymakers and institutions in dialogue Keeping the multilateral trading system alive Ahead of the WTO Ministerial Conference, ICC Netherlands and VNO-NCW convened a timely round table on 29 January with business, policymakers and international institutions. The discussion confirmed one clear message: the system is under pressure, but indispensable — and reform is the only viable path forward. Read More 6 Jan 2026 Trade & Global Economy Intelligence-driven responses to geopolitical risk, espionage threats and cyber-attacks Geopolitical shocks, cyber-physical attacks and insider threats aren’t “emerging risks” anymore – they’re hitting companies now, and faster than leaders can update their plans. For our latest ICC Netherlands newsletter, we interviewed Tim Bosch (co-founder of the Birdwatcher Group) on why traditional scenario planning is collapsing, why every company is already a target, and why resilience can no longer be a project – it must embedded into your operating system. If your organisation isn’t preparing to pivot in days rather than quarters, it’s already behind Read More 6 Jan 2026 What ICC Members Can Expect from ICC Netherlands in 2026 In this New Year edition, ICC Netherlands outlines its strategic priorities for the year ahead, focusing on trade, integrity, dispute resolution, sustainability, leadership and digitalisation. Discover how we will work with our members, partners and global ICC network to strengthen Dutch business resilience in a rapidly changing world. Read More 2 Jan 2026 The Eight Key Benefits of ICC Arbitration for Business Disputes Read More 19 Dec 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC warns of double taxation risks in latest UN tax talks As United Nations negotiations on a Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation continue, ICC warns that reforms risk creating new layers of double taxation. Following the latest round of talks in Nairobi, ICC states that expanding taxing rights without mandatory safeguards and relief from double taxation could undermine cross-border investment, strain tax administrations and weaken global growth. Read More 18 Dec 2025 Trade & Global Economy Revitalising the multilateral trading system: Call for action Ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), ICC calls on members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to launch a structured, time-bound WTO reform round and preserve the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions – essential steps to restore stability and confidence in global trade. Read More 17 Dec 2025 Dispute Resolution Joint ICC Arbitration Day: Key Takeaways Arbitration is evolving, fast. Missed the Joint ICC Arbitration Day? Catch the key moments: new ICC rules, Court insights, in-house expectations, and Europe’s shifting landscape. Read More 1 Dec 2025 Trade & Global Economy Navigating Geopolitical Risk in a Fractured World In a global landscape marked by geopolitical tension, regulatory fragmentation and increasingly fragile supply chains, businesses face risks that are more complex – and more consequential – than ever. To explore how organisations can navigate this uncertainty, we spoke with Tobias Wellner, a Senior Analyst at global specialist risk consultancy Control Risks. Read More 1 Dec 2025 Dispute Resolution International Arbitration: from a neutral’s perspective Continuing our series of interviews with arbitration experts, we spoke with Marieke Witkamp, a retired Dutch commercial judge now based in Houston, where she serves full-time as an international arbitrator. [...] In this interview, she reflects on the moment she truly understood the power of arbitration, the advantages it offers over litigation, and how dispute resolution continues to evolve across different sectors. Read More 27 Nov 2025 Dispute Resolution What Businesses Really Want to Know About Arbitration: Top Questions from Last Week’s ICC Workshop What questions do businesses really ask about arbitration? From sanctions and enforcement to confidentiality and clause drafting, discover the top questions businesses raised during our latest ICC arbitration workshop. Read More 26 Nov 2025 Trade & Global Economy The WTO’s hidden value Every time a product clears a border, every time a services firm invests abroad, or every time an innovator protects a patent overseas, they are relying on WTO rules, committees and monitoring systems designed to reduce risk and increase predictability. Read More 23 Nov 2025 Climate & Sustainability COP30 Falls Short of What the Global Economy Needs COP30 reaffirmed global commitment to the Paris Agreement, but its outcomes fall short of what the world economy urgently needs. Without clear pathways on adaptation, mitigation and finance, the private sector’s ability to deliver climate solutions at scale remains constrained. Read More 7 Nov 2025 Climate & Sustainability Updated Global Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications ICC has released its updated 2025 Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications, providing global guidance to ensure environmental claims are accurate, transparent and evidence-based. Read More 4 Nov 2025 Dispute Resolution The Silent Drain on Enterprise: The Economic Impact of Unresolved Commercial Disputes A new ICC–Oxera report reveals the staggering global cost of unresolved commercial disputes, which drain liquidity, suppress investment, and weaken trust in markets. The study highlights how affordable, digital dispute resolution can unlock growth, especially for SMEs, and strengthen justice as essential economic infrastructure. Read More 3 Nov 2025 Trade & Global Economy Competitiveness in times of Geo-economic Fragmentation As global power shifts toward fragmented multipolarity, trade is increasingly shaped by geopolitics, security, and strategic autonomy. Businesses must navigate competing rules, supply-chain risks, and political pressures to remain competitive in an era of geo-economic fragmentation. Read More 3 Nov 2025 Digital Trade 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. Read More 3 Nov 2025 Dispute Resolution Arbitration in Focus Bas van Zelst is a partner at Enhance Arbitration, a law firm dedicated exclusively to arbitration. Enhance provides (co-)counsel, arbitration and advisory services. He is also a member of the ICC Netherlands Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Committee. In this article, he talks about the main definitions and characteristics of arbitration – and how these differ from litigation. He also outlines what makes the Netherlands an attractive seat of arbitration, and shares his thoughts on the link between arbitration and peace. Read More 2 Nov 2025 Climate & Sustainability From Ambition to Economic Delivery: ICC’s Call to Action Ahead of COP30 As world leaders prepare to meet in Belém for COP30, ICC calls on governments to turn climate ambition into economic delivery. Representing over 45 million companies, ICC urges concrete action on finance, adaptation and market integrity to unlock private investment and make the transition to net zero a driver of growth and resilience. Read More 1 Nov 2025 Integrity Highlights from the Week of Integrity 2025 The Week of Integrity 2025 brought together organizations across sectors to explore how integrity strengthens culture, trust, and sustainable growth. From the launch of the new Book of Integrity to inspiring partner initiatives and thought-provoking dialogues, the week proved that integrity is a year-round capability, not just a one-week commitment. Read More 30 Oct 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC Trade Register 2025 Built on over USD 25 trillion in transaction data, the ICC Trade Register 2025 offers the most comprehensive insight into global trade and supply chain finance. Its findings confirm trade finance as a low-risk, high-impact asset class—and show how data-driven evidence continues to shape smarter regulation, sustainability, and competitiveness worldwide. Read More 27 Oct 2025 Climate & Sustainability Turning Ambition into Action: ICC and Sage Release 2025 SME Climate Finance Stocktake A new ICC–Sage report reveals that while SMEs are leading on sustainability ambition, access to green finance remains critically low. The study calls for digital solutions, simpler reporting, and smarter policy to unlock the trillions needed for small businesses to drive the global net-zero transition. Read More 21 Oct 2025 Digital Trade ICC Calls for Government Action and Business Expertise to Strengthen Global Cyber Resilience As the UN prepares to launch a new Global Mechanism on cybersecurity, ICC urges governments to pair decisive action with business expertise to strengthen global cyber resilience. The private sector, operating on the front lines of digital defense, must be meaningfully included to ensure policies are practical, inclusive, and future-proof. Read More 7 Oct 2025 Dispute Resolution Beyond the Contract: Insights from the ICC NL Dispute Resolution Forum 2025 At the ICC Dispute Resolution Forum on 7 October, experts explored how culture, trust, and human behaviour shape cross-border business disputes. The discussions revealed that resolving conflicts effectively starts long before the contract is signed. Read More 7 Oct 2025 Global Insights Building common ground in a fragmented world From trade digitalisation to sustainability and WTO reform, one message keeps returning: ambition is high, but the system must move faster. A reflection on clarity, trust, and cooperation, and why bringing people together still matters most. Read More 6 Oct 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC Netherlands at the WTO Public Forum 2025 in Geneva At the WTO Public Forum 2025, ICC Netherlands joined global leaders to address one key question: how can we rebuild trust in global trade? From digitalization to AI and sustainability, the call for WTO reform has never been more pressing. Read More 6 Oct 2025 Climate & Sustainability Circular Plastics and Dutch Leadership: An Interview with Willemijn Peeters, founding director of Searious Business "The Netherlands stands at a crossroads. If we embrace circularity at scale, we can future-proof our economy, strengthen our resilience, and prove that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand". Read More 1 Sept 2025 Trade & Global Economy Global trade – an urgent need for reform Global trade is at a crossroads. Rising protectionism, geopolitical tensions and stalled reforms threaten the stability of the rules-based system that underpins Dutch and international business. In this interview, Valerie Picard, ICC’s Head of Trade, explains why urgent WTO reform is needed, what “revitalising the global trading system” means in practice, and how Dutch companies can play a leadership role in shaping the future of trade. Read More 1 Sept 2025 Digital Trade ICC Netherlands calls on Dutch Parliament to accelerate adoption of MLETR ICC Netherlands, together with a broad coalition of companies, banks and business associations, has presented a whitepaper to the Dutch Parliament calling for swift adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) – a move that will cut costs, reduce delays and strengthen the Netherlands’ competitive position. Read More 1 Sept 2025 Digital Trade ICC Netherlands roept Tweede Kamer op: versnel adoptie van digitale handelsdocumenten (MLETR) ICC Nederland heeft samen met een brede coalitie van bedrijven, banken en brancheorganisaties een whitepaper aangeboden aan de Tweede Kamer om snelle invoering van de UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) te bevorderen – een stap die kosten bespaart, doorlooptijden verkort en de concurrentiepositie van Nederland versterkt. Read More 31 Aug 2025 Climate & Sustainability Share Your Story: Be Part of ICC’s Global Climate Campaign Business has a crucial role to play in tackling climate change – not only by reducing risks but by creating opportunities. Real-world examples from companies of all sizes show policymakers and peers that innovation and investment can deliver climate solutions at scale. That’s why ICC is calling on businesses to share their stories as part of its global climate campaign ahead of COP30. By showcasing successes and lessons learned, we can inspire action, remove barriers, and make the case for the enabling policies needed to accelerate the clean transition. Read More 28 Aug 2025 Climate & Sustainability ICC Report: Unlocking Private Sector Investment for Climate Adaptation Climate change is already costing the global economy trillions, yet adaptation finance continues to lag far behind what is needed. A new ICC–Oxera report highlights how the private sector can play a decisive role in closing this gap. With public funds alone insufficient, innovative instruments, better risk data, and enabling regulation are essential to unlock private investment at scale. As the official voice of business in the UN climate process, ICC will bring these recommendations to COP30 in Belém to advocate for a stronger role of business in building global climate resilience. Read More 20 Aug 2025 Trade & Global Economy Business takeaways from the first rounds of UN Tax Framework Convention negotiations ICC is advocating for predictable, stable global tax rules to support cross-border trade and investment at the first rounds of United Nations Tax Framework Convention talks. Taxpayer rights, rigorous economic analysis, clarity on new instruments and effective dispute prevention and resolution were championed as key priorities for business. Read More 15 Aug 2025 Climate & Sustainability Business disappointed by failure to secure global plastics treaty The International Chamber of Commerce has issued the following statement at the conclusion of the latest round of intergovernmental negotiations on a proposed UN plastics treaty: Read More 28 Jul 2025 Climate & Sustainability How to scale private finance for adaptation and unlock new business opportunities As the frequency and severity of climate-related events escalate, there is a growing consensus that mitigation alone is insufficient. Adaptation must play a central role in securing resilience. To support this shift, the new ICC-commissioned Oxera report assesses how the private sector’s role in climate adaptation can be strengthened and scaled. The report is intended to inform ICC’s advocacy as the official UNFCCC Focal Point for Business and Industry in the lead-up to COP30 in Belém. Read More 26 Jul 2025 Climate & Sustainability Enhancing Climate Finance in Emerging Markets Emerging markets and developing economies need US$450–550 billion in additional annual climate finance by 2030, but private flows are declining. ICC’s new policy brief shows how targeted reforms to the Basel III framework could unlock 3–4 times more private investment in climate-aligned projects. Ahead of COP30, ICC is calling for a structured dialogue with regulators to ensure climate finance flows to where it is most urgently needed. Read More 11 Jul 2025 Global Insights Harmonised AI standards to reduce fragmented global rules This ICC policy paper highlights how divergent AI regulations across countries can lead to fragmented global markets and increased business costs. ICC calls for greater coordination on the development of international, market-driven AI standards, to bridge legal differences, reduce compliance burdens, improve market access and enhance cross-border innovation. Read More 10 Jul 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC and WCO release trade facilitation recommendations for enhanced integrity at borders Integrity at borders is fundamental to sustainable trade and economic growth. A new joint International Chamber of Commerce-World Customs Organization paper highlights how trade facilitation – by digitalising processes, reducing complexities and increasing transparency – can be a powerful tool for fighting corruption. Read More 4 Jul 2025 Business Solutions ICC Anti-corruption Clause The ICC Anti-corruption Clause is a voluntary contractual provision that companies can include in their commercial agreements, whereby they undertake to comply with the 2023 ICC Rules on Combating Corruption or commit to put in place and maintain an anti-corruption compliance programme. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability Business at the Table: ICC and the Private Sector at the SB62 Climate Talks At the June 2025 Bonn Climate Conference, business leaders led by the ICC called for urgent action to remove regulatory and financial barriers, scale up adaptation, and support high-integrity carbon markets. With COP30 nearing, they urged governments to align with 1.5°C goals and shift from talk to action, emphasizing that the private sector is ready but needs the right conditions. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability New ICC Policy Brief Calls for Regulatory Reforms to Unlock Climate Finance in Emerging Markets ICC urges targeted reforms to global banking rules, especially Basel III, to unlock climate finance for emerging markets. The brief proposes near-term fixes and deeper changes to ease capital barriers without risking financial stability. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability FfD4 Opens in Seville: A Crucial Test for Financing the SDGs At the FfD4 conference in Seville, the ICC called for practical, private sector-led financing to achieve the SDGs, urging action beyond symbolic commitments. With the “Compromiso de Sevilla” agreed, ICC is pushing for greater business input on SME investment, tax reform, and climate finance. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Project Phoenix: A Bold Business-Led Response to Trade System Fragmentation At the National Committee (NC) Strategic Session held during We are ICC Week 2025, ICC unveiled its most ambitious initiative in recent years: Project Phoenix. Introduced by ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton following a high-level panel with Shinta Kamdani, Arancha González, and Andrew Wilson, the launch framed ICC’s response to deepening geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability Post-UNOC3: Business Rallies for Ocean Action with Landmark Call to Policymakers Over 80 businesses and networks joined an ICC-led declaration at UNOC3, urging urgent action to protect ocean health as key to climate resilience and economic prosperity. The Business Call to Action outlines commitments and policy asks to scale sustainable ocean solutions and is open for more support. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Marketing & Advertising European Commission Withdraws Green Claims Directive — ICC Welcomes Opportunity for Constructive Recalibration The European Commission has withdrawn the Green Claims Directive after concerns over burdens on SMEs, marking a key advocacy win for ICC and its members. ICC now invites businesses to help shape future sustainability marketing policies that are credible, practical, and innovation-friendly. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Beyond the West: Rethinking Europe’s Role in the Global Order Alex Krijger, a historian and geopolitical advisor, says the 2025 NATO Summit was a turning point, with Europe finally stepping up to take more responsibility for its own security. He believes the world is shifting toward a new global balance of power, and Europe needs to build fairer relationships with the Global South, rethink old institutions, and broaden its view beyond just Western perspectives. Read More 30 Jun 2025 ICC #WeAreICCWeek From 16–19 June, #WeAreICC Week brought together over 200 ICC representatives and leaders from 85 countries in Paris for a dynamic series of strategy and governance meetings. Highlights included the annual meeting of the ICC World Council, chaired by Philippe Varin, and a gathering of the ICC Executive Board. Read More 24 Jun 2025 Dispute Resolution ICC Dispute Resolution Statistics: 2024 The annual ICC Dispute Resolution Statistics offer a comprehensive overview of disputes submitted to the ICC International Court of Arbitration and the ICC International Centre for ADR. They provide an in-depth breakdown of the numbers and global reach of ICC Arbitration and other ICC Dispute Resolution Services worldwide. Read More 16 Jun 2025 Integrity Building Integrity Through Trust and Psychological Safety A culture of integrity doesn’t come solely through regulations; it thrives on trust, transparency, and psychological safety. Psychological safety—where individuals can speak up and raise concerns without fear—is the foundation of a strong compliance culture. Read More 13 Jun 2025 Global Insights Major banks set industry milestone with endorsement of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance A group of leading Trade Finance banks have announced their endorsement of the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance (ICC PSTF). This group, and further supporting banks, collectively represent as much as 25% of the global trade finance market by volume. Read More 12 Jun 2025 Dispute Resolution ICC arbitration tops global survey The Arbitration Rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have been named the world’s preferred arbitration rules in a global survey investigating current trends in user preferences and perceptions. Read More 11 Jun 2025 Digital Trade Data flows in supply chains: Practical realities and policy implications Cross-border data flows are essential for efficient global supply chains, enabling real-time coordination and logistics across borders. ICC provides concrete recommendations to align policies with operational realities and keep trade flowing. Read More 10 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability ICC joins Business Call to Action to accelerate global cooperation for our oceans 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. Read More 4 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Why services can’t realistically be tariffed and shouldn’t be New ICC brief outlines why tariffs on cross-border services are unworkable and what policymakers should do instead. Read More 2 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC warns trade uncertainty is undermining global business confidence Speaking live in an interview on Bloomberg’s Balance of Power show with hosts Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO discussed current trade policy tensions and what it means for the international business community. Read More 1 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative Sustainability is everywhere – but what does it really mean for a business to be sustainable? And who gets to define it? To get some answers, we spoke to Ed Gillespie, whose credentials involve nearly three decades at the forefront of sustainability. Read More 1 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Africa – issues and opportunities relating to trade In the previous issue of this newsletter we heard that the USA represents just 13% of global trade. In our conversation with Secretary General of ICC United Kingdom Chris Southworth, he said that “we need to focus on the remaining 87% of the global trade system.” Read More 28 May 2025 Dispute Resolution Mediation in Practice: Empowering Legal Professionals with Strategic Tools for Commercial Disputes On 28 May, ICC Netherlands joined forces with CMS and the Academy of Legal Mediation for a highly interactive and well-attended afternoon dedicated to exploring the strategic use of mediation in commercial disputes. Read More 27 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy Developments on the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation The ICC convened a timely briefing to update business stakeholders on the UN-led process to negotiate a new Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. Read More 23 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy A call to de-escalate transatlantic trade tensions In response to a US proposal to increase tariffs on European Union goods, ICC is calling for redoubled ongoing efforts to renew the US-EU trade relationship. Read More 20 May 2025 Events Trading Blows or Building Bridges? Navigating Global Trade in a Multipolar World As global trade becomes increasingly politicised, polarised, and unpredictable, how should businesses respond? On 20 May, ICC Netherlands gathered leading voices from business, policy, and finance to explore the realities—and responsibilities—of trading in a multipolar world. What emerged was a clear message: navigating complexity isn’t optional, it’s strategic. Read More 15 May 2025 Digital Trade The Netherlands Moves on eBL Legislation — But More is Needed for True Trade Digitalisation The Dutch government has taken an important first step in the digitalisation of trade by submitting a bill to Parliament that formally recognises the legal validity of electronic bills of lading (eBLs). Read More 14 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy Reimagining WTO Dispute Settlement: a business case for mediation 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. Read More 8 May 2025 Integrity Speaking up is Golden: The Importance of Integrity for a Safe Reporting Culture in Organizations Organisations are often well-insured against rare events like fires but underestimate the frequent and damaging risks of integrity violations such as fraud or misconduct; investing in a strong integrity culture and internal reporting procedures is essential for early detection and reduced harm. Read More 6 May 2025 Integrity Navigating the divide: Acting with integrity when cultural adaptation is required Danielle Dielissen shows how personal background shapes integrity in business and emphasizes self-awareness, role models, and diversity to uphold ethical behavior across cultures. Read More 5 May 2025 Business Solutions ICC Global Marketing and Advertising Commission 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. Read More 5 May 2025 Events Advance Integrity in Business – Join the Business Integrity Accelerator The UN Global Compact Network Netherlands and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) are launching the Business Integrity Accelerator (BIA)—a global program designed to help companies move beyond compliance and embed integrity into their core strategy and operations. Read More 4 May 2025 Dispute Resolution Draft Smart, Resolve Smarter: How to Use Mediation Clauses Effectively Amid rising geopolitical tension, mediation is gaining traction in international contracts—but its effectiveness depends on clear wording and local legal interpretation. Read More 3 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy Incoterms® 2020: Navigating Risk, Responsibility & Reality in Global Trade Incoterms® 2020 help businesses manage tariff and compliance risks in global trade by clearly defining who is responsible for transport, insurance, and customs duties. Strategic use can reduce seller exposure to tariffs, making these terms crucial tools in navigating today’s volatile trade environment. Read More 2 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy Global Trade Uncertainty Rises: 42% of Firms Brace for Impact A recent ICC Pulse Survey reveals growing concern among global businesses following the U.S. administration’s 2 April 2025 announcement of sweeping new tariff measures. Read More 1 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy Dissecting the trade war: The response, new data and cautious optimism President Trump’s trade war has disrupted global trade, but according to Chris Southworth (ICC UK), it also presents an opportunity for other countries—who make up the bulk of global trade—to strengthen cooperation, accelerate digitalisation, and build a more resilient system. Read More 25 Apr 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC Pulse Survey 2025: Business reactions to new U.S. tariffs The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) conducted a pulse survey of its global business network from 3 -11 April 2025. The Survey assesses the impact of newly announced U.S. tariff measures. Read More 15 Apr 2025 Trade & Global Economy Pronounced spike in low-level crimes in Singapore Straits The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has revealed a rise in global piracy and armed robbery incidents in the first quarter of 2025 – driven by a spike of incidents in the Singapore Straits. Read More 7 Apr 2025 Integrity “I Thought It Couldn’t Happen Here” In this candid interview, a regional director in France reflects on the lasting impact of a workplace harassment case, which challenged her views on leadership and integrity. Two years later, she sees integrity not as a fixed ideal, but as a daily commitment to psychological safety, accountability, and readiness. Read More 6 Apr 2025 Integrity 2025 OECD Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum and ICC side event on business and government as partners for integrity to the OECD At the 2025 OECD Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, ICC hosted a side event to boost business-government collaboration on integrity, highlighting tools like updated anti-corruption clauses. Forum discussions focused on bribery solicitation, tech-driven anti-corruption efforts, integrity in the green transition, and public-private cooperation for fairer global markets. Read More 5 Apr 2025 ICC NL has a new collaborative partner: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam ICC Netherlands has partnered with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam to enhance stakeholder engagement and share insights on integrity, compliance, and anti-corruption. The collaboration merges academic research with ICC’s global business network to drive practical, evidence-based solutions. Read More 4 Apr 2025 Trade & Global Economy Shaping the Future of Global Tax: ICC Commission Charts a Course Amid Rising Fragmentation At its March 2025 meeting, the ICC Taxation Commission tackled global tax challenges, including UN reforms, digital economy rules, and OECD compliance amid rising geopolitical tensions. The Commission stressed inclusive dialogue and business input to help shape a clear, practical international tax framework. Read More 3 Apr 2025 Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution Best Practices: Insights from Recent ICC Trainings in the Netherlands The ICC recently conducted a two-day advanced dispute resolution training in the Netherlands, bringing together over 40 legal and business professionals to explore strategies for handling complex commercial disputes. Read More

Latest News Filter by Category Select Category Stay up to date with the latest developments from the International Chamber of Commerce. From policy updates and international trade insights to new model contracts, global business initiatives, and event highlights — this section brings you timely and trusted information from the world’s largest business organization. Explore how ICC is shaping global commerce, supporting sustainable growth, and championing ethical business practices worldwide.

< Back < Previous | Next > Customs at an inflection point 21 Apr 2026 Four trends shaping global trade compliance in 2026 Two back-to-back events in April 2026, a conference in Brussels on the new Union Customs Code hosted by ICC Be, and the latest meeting of the ICC Customs and Trade Facilitation Commission hosted by ICC NL, offered a useful snapshot of where global customs is heading. Different audiences, different levels of detail, but the same underlying currents. Four trends in particular deserve business attention this year. In one minute (for non-specialists) If your business ships goods across borders, or works with companies that do, the systems governing those movements are being rewritten. The EU is building a single digital platform to replace 27 national customs systems, starting with e-commerce in 2028 and extending to all trade by 2034. Worldwide, customs authorities are shifting from checking paperwork to analysing live data, with artificial intelligence doing more of the work every year. Companies that share clean, consistent data with customs get faster clearance; those that don't get more friction at the border. Four trends stand out in 2026: data quality becomes a business priority, AI is changing how controls work, "trusted trader" status is being redefined, and global rules are harmonizing, but unevenly. The rest of this article explains each, with a short glossary of the main terms at the end. 1. Data is becoming the unit of customs compliance For decades, customs has been organised around declarations. A trader submits an entry summary, an import declaration, a transit message, an export declaration, often into separate national systems, often with overlapping content. The EU's new Union Customs Code, politically agreed in late March, is the clearest signal yet that this model is giving way to something else: a data-driven, consignment-centric system in which the same information is submitted once and consumed many times. The EU Customs Data Hub will go live for e-commerce in July 2028 and become mandatory for all operators by 2034. The same shift is visible at global level. The World Customs Organization's 2025 edition of the SAFE Framework of Standards makes data harmonisation one of its headline priorities, explicitly to reduce duplication and streamline cross-border processes. At the operational level, Dutch Customs is piloting what it calls "digital corridors", arrangements with trusted operators who make supply-chain data available via API, in exchange for lighter-touch controls at the border. The conceptual direction of travel is unmistakable. For business, the practical implication is that data quality moves from being a back-office concern to a compliance KPI. Unique identifiers that follow a consignment from origin to destination, consistent product classifications, clean master data on parties in the chain — these stop being "nice to have" and become the basis on which risk, duty and release decisions are made. Several speakers at both events made the same point in different words: the technology is not the problem, the data model is. 2. The AI adoption gap is widening, not narrowing The WCO's 2026 Study Report on Disruptive Technologies, based on a survey of 116 customs administrations, makes for sobering reading. Only around 10 percent of administrations report using artificial intelligence or machine learning in production. Another 37 percent are experimenting or piloting. Roughly 30 percent still describe themselves as "operational", meaning foundational systems are in place but limited advanced analytics. Against this, private-sector adoption of AI has accelerated sharply. UNCTAD projects the technology will be the frontier technology with the largest market size by 2033, at around USD 4.8 trillion. The gap has two consequences. First, administrations will increasingly rely on private-sector data quality and self-assessment because they cannot inspect their way through growing volumes, 5.8 billion e-commerce items entered the EU alone in 2025. Second, where administrations do deploy AI, they deploy it in ways that demand more from industry, not less. Several customs authorities are now using large data models to identify "risk clusters" at a macro level, then asking individual importers to prove their specific shipments are outside those clusters. Rotterdam's AI-driven x-ray image recognition is an encouraging example of how automation can raise coverage without adding headcount. But the gap between administrations with that capability and those still working from paper-based processes is not closing. 3. The trust architecture is being rebuilt A common thread across the EU reform, the WCO SAFE update, and recent bilateral trade agreements is that the relationship between administrations and compliant businesses is being redefined. Three examples make the pattern visible. In the EU, the new Trust & Check trader regime, on top of the existing AEO programme, offers self-assessment, self-release and reduced controls to companies willing to grant customs real-time access to their data. This is a significant step beyond AEO: the balance of effort shifts from periodic audit to continuous visibility. Whether the benefits will justify the investment for most companies is an open question, and one industry is actively shaping through the delegated acts still being drafted. At the same time, the EU's co-legislators wisely chose to retain AEO in parallel, preserving a more accessible tier for companies that cannot or will not go that far. In origin certification, research presented at recent WCO events suggests full self-certification does not produce measurably lower compliance than third-party certification. That evidence is nudging administrations that had resisted the shift. But the picture is not uniform: India's new "authentication" requirement under the EU-India and UK-India agreements introduces a verification layer on top of self-certification, requiring exporters to provide additional identifiers through new IT systems. The UK and the EU have built two different solutions. Expect this pattern, self-certification at the level of principle, authentication in the detail, to spread. On the platform side, e-commerce marketplaces are being drawn into the compliance chain as "deemed importers", liable for customs compliance, duty and VAT on goods sold to EU consumers. The shift in responsibility is less a change of doctrine than a recognition that trust, data and liability must be realigned for the actors who actually hold the commercial information. 4. Harmonisation is uneven and will stay that way Against the direction of travel towards greater integration, real-world harmonisation remains patchy. HS 2028 was finalised in January 2026 and enters into force across the WCO membership in 2028, but a meaningful number of countries are still implementing HS 2017, with all the friction in correlation tables, tariff engineering and origin determinations that implies. In the EU reform, centralised customs clearance for imports is being introduced, but the VAT framework has not been aligned, leaving a gap industry has flagged as a missed opportunity. Penalties are only partially harmonised: the final text sets a minimum common core of infringements and non-criminal sanctions, but Member States retain room to add national sanctions on top. The United States is debating a bill that would replace its first-sale valuation rule with a last-sale rule, converging with other jurisdictions but doing so through a politically charged process with affordability implications for consumers. None of this is an argument against the direction of travel. But it is an argument for realism about timelines and transition costs. Companies operating across multiple jurisdictions will continue to need parallel capability for some years, systems, data, and compliance processes that accommodate different rules, different timings, and different assumptions. So what? The operational substance of customs reform is being written now, in the delegated and implementing acts of the EU Union Customs Code, in the explanatory notes accompanying HS 2028, in the work programmes of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee and its technical sub-committees, and in the bilateral IT systems being built around new trade agreements. These are not abstract debates. They will determine the data companies have to provide, the systems they have to connect to, the trusted-trader status they can realistically target, and the penalties they are exposed to. The practical channels for businesses to engage are well established: national trade facilitation committees, industry federations, chambers of commerce, and global business organisations with formal observer status at the WCO. Where those channels are used well, the detail reflects operational reality. Where they are not, business ends up implementing rules that were designed without it. The next twelve months, between now and the first EU Data Hub go-live in mid-2028, will set the tone. Key terms at a glance Harmonised System (HS) — the global product-classification language used by customs authorities in 200+ countries. Every tradeable good is assigned an HS code, which drives duty rates, origin rules and statistics. The system is updated every 5–6 years by the WCO. HS 2017 / HS 2022 / HS 2028 — successive editions of the Harmonised System. HS 2028 was finalised in January 2026 and takes effect in 2028; many countries are still implementing HS 2017 or HS 2022, which creates classification gaps between trading partners. WCO (World Customs Organization) — the Brussels-based body that develops global customs standards, including the Harmonised System and the SAFE Framework. 185+ member administrations. Union Customs Code (UCC) — the EU's foundational customs law. The "new UCC" is the reform politically agreed in March 2026, introducing the EU Customs Data Hub, the EU Customs Authority and the Trust & Check trader regime. EU Customs Data Hub — a single EU-wide digital platform that will replace the 111 national and EU customs IT systems currently in use. E-commerce goes first in 2028; all trade by 2034. AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) — the existing trusted-trader status in the EU and most major economies. Companies meeting security and compliance criteria get lighter-touch treatment at the border. Trust & Check — a new, higher-tier trusted-trader regime in the EU reform. In exchange for giving customs real-time access to company data, traders get self-assessment and self-release. AEO remains in parallel. Deemed importer — an e-commerce platform or marketplace treated, for customs and VAT purposes, as if it were the importer of the goods it sells — even if it never physically handles them.

< Back < Previous | Next > Global Response ICC Pulse Survey 2025: Business reactions to new U.S. tariffs 25 Apr 2025 The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) conducted a pulse survey of its global business network from 3 -11 April 2025. The Survey assesses the impact of newly announced U.S. tariff measures. Conducted after the announcement of new U.S. tariff measures on 2 April 2025, the ICC Pulse Survey gathered insights from 448 companies across 68 countries, spanning a wide range of company sizes and sectors. The findings reveal deep concern among businesses worldwide regarding rising costs, supply chain uncertainty, and the threat of trade retaliation. The survey findings cover: Global business sentiment in the wake of the 2 April tariff announcement Regional, sectoral, company-size breakdowns of the expected impacts and top concerns Business outlook for the next 6-12 months Key findings: 60% of respondents view the new tariffs negatively  Top concerns include increased costs (64%), planning uncertainty (47%) , and supply chain disruptions (45%) Ripple effects are being felt in service sectors like accommodation and food services Large companies are twice as likely as SMEs to cite trade retaliation as a top concern (50% vs. 25–35%) Over 70% of businesses reported either heightened caution or a more pessimistic outlook for the coming 6–12 months —signaling broader apprehension about economic stability 3 in 10 businesses now report a more pessimistic outlook 4 in 10 say they are more cautious about the next 6–12 months Download

< Back < Previous | Next > Integrity & Culture Week of Integrity 2025: A Culture of Integrity 4 Feb 2025 During an interview with a student a few weeks ago, I was reminded of why this year’s theme is so important. Coming from a very international study program, her teacher posed a simple question: Would you call the police? The answers were anything but uniform. Depending on their cultural backgrounds, the students’ trust in law enforcement varied significantly. This reminded me of an experience I had a few years ago while traveling to Vietnam. I was waiting for my colleague to pick me up at the hotel to visit a supplier’s office. Hours passed without any updates, and I grew increasingly frustrated by the apparent waste of time. Eventually, she arrived and explained what had happened. She had been stopped by a police officer who demanded a bribe to let her pass. When she refused, he took her to the station and made her wait for hours, only to release her without any fine or formal charge. At the time, I couldn’t understand why she didn’t pay. I thought, She can’t change the system by refusing to pay a small bribe if this is standard practice . But for her, staying true to her principles and refusing to participate in corrupt behavior was more important. That experience left a lasting impression on me and reinforced why promoting integrity in both the public and private sectors is essential. Even in the Netherlands, where such overt corruption might not be common, the challenges around integrity—such as fostering trust and accountability—remain pressing. Experiences like these highlight the stark differences in how integrity is perceived and practiced across cultures . As businesses become increasingly global and more foreign workers join Dutch companies, fostering a culture of integrity becomes not just desirable but essential. Employees must feel safe to speak up, report issues, and understand the principles outlined in their organization’s code of conduct. Culture—whether company, local, or national—is complex. But at its core, culture can be understood as a shared set of values, beliefs, and practices that guide behavior within a group or society. The Role of Integrity Culture in Whistleblowing This critical need—to foster a culture of integrity within organizations—was also highlighted in Transparency International’s recent report on whistleblowing frameworks in Dutch businesses . The report emphasizes that while many companies have formal whistleblowing policies in place, they often fail to address the cultural aspects that ensure these frameworks are effective. Employees must feel safe, supported, and confident that their concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon. Without a strong foundation of trust and accountability, even the best policies risk falling short of their purpose. The report identifies several key areas for improvement: Building Trust: Many employees fear retaliation or being ostracized if they report unethical behavior. This fear prevents them from coming forward, even when they witness serious misconduct. And for me this reluctance often has roots in childhood and education. From an early age, children who report issues are sometimes labeled as "tattletales" by their peers or dismissed by teachers who may tell them not to make a fuss or not to be so sensitive. These experiences shape how individuals perceive speaking up, associating it with negative consequences rather than constructive action. Addressing this ingrained mindset is essential to fostering a culture where reporting concerns is valued and encouraged. Embedding Integrity in Decision-Making: Ethical practices must be integrated into daily operations at every level. From the boardroom to frontline employees, integrity should guide decisions and behaviors. Encouraging a Safe Speak-Up Culture: Organizations must go beyond policies and create an environment where employees feel confident their concerns will be taken seriously and addressed fairly. Whistleblower Protection: While legal protections exist, businesses must ensure they actively safeguard whistleblowers and promptly address reports to reinforce trust in the process. The findings are a wake-up call for organizations to look beyond compliance and foster a genuine culture of integrity. However, this is not an issue for the private sector alone. Embracing the Complexity of Culture and Integrity I come from a multicultural family—my mother’s side has roots in Russia, Morocco, and Madagascar, while my father’s side is from Gascogne, proudly French. I was born and started school in Senegal, shaped by diverse cultures along the way. I then grew up in Marseille, a city full of contradictions, shaped by both vibrant diversity and complex integrity challenges. My teenage years were marked by the influence of the infamous Bernard Tapie—a businessman both admired and controversial. Marseille wasn’t exactly a model for integrity, but it was my home. This personal background makes me especially eager to explore this year’s theme. Integrity isn’t just about rules and compliance; it is deeply embedded in culture. Whether on a national level, within organizations, or even in childhood experiences, the way we perceive and act on integrity is shaped by the environments we grow up in and the societies we work and live in. The findings from Transparency International highlight how much still needs to be done—not only in the private sector but also in the public sphere. A strong integrity culture goes beyond policies and legal frameworks; it requires trust, leadership, and a willingness to create environments where speaking up is encouraged and protected. I look forward to engaging in discussions, hearing different perspectives, and exploring how integrity can be strengthened across cultures. This year’s theme invites us to challenge assumptions, learn from diverse viewpoints, and work together to build stronger integrity cultures in business, government, and society. Let’s start the conversation & please feel free to join our first partner meeting of 2025. Laure Jacquier, Secretary General Week of Integrity

< Back < Previous | Next > Digitalisation Why the Netherlands Must Go Beyond the Electronic Bill of Lading 12 Mar 2025 After three years of preparation, the Dutch Parliament is set to deliberate on a bill introducing electronic bills of lading (eBLs) this month. This legislative move aims to modernize trade documentation, enhancing efficiency and security within the logistics sector. While this is a crucial step forward, it is only one piece of the puzzle in achieving full trade digitalization. To maintain momentum, the Netherlands must now focus on a broader legal transformation, particularly the full implementation of the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR). What This Means for Businesses The adoption of eBLs allows companies to transition from traditional paper-based bills of lading to digital formats. This shift is expected to: • Expedite transactions by eliminating paper- based delays. • Reduce administrative burdens and costs. • Minimize fraud risks through secure digital tracking. • Improve operational efficiency by integrating digital trade documents into IT systems. However, while beneficial, this reform alone does not fully enable the digitalization of trade. For businesses to truly benefit from a paperless system, other critical transferable records— such as promissory notes and trade finance instruments— must also be legally recognized in electronic form. Why This Is Not Enough for Trade Digitalization Although the introduction of eBLs marks significant progress, it addresses only one type of transferable document. Comprehensive digital transformation necessitates a legal framework that recognizes and facilitates the use of all electronic transferable records, ensuring their enforceability and interoperability across international markets. Without this broader framework, businesses will still face inefficiencies and legal uncertainties when using digital trade documents beyond eBLs. The Importance of Fully Implementing MLETR The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law’s (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) provides a global framework for the recognition and use of all electronic transferable documents. By fully adopting the MLETR, the Netherlands can: • Establish legal certainty for all forms of electronic trade documents. • Reduce reliance on paper-based processes across supply chains. • Improve cross-border trade efficiency, ensuring alignment with international partners. • Strengthen the competitiveness of Dutch enterprises by reducing trade friction. • Reduce corruption risks by minimizing manual handling and document forgery opportunities. • Enhance sustainability by cutting down on paper usage and inefficient transport of physical documents. • Improve data security and transparency, ensuring real-time traceability of trade documents. The Role of ICC and DSI in Driving Trade Digitalization ICC actively advocates for harmonized international trade laws and facilitates dialogue between businesses and policymakers to accelerate digital adoption. The Digital Standards Initiative (DSI), an initiative under ICC, focuses on developing digital trade standards that enhance interoperability between different stakeholders in global trade. By working alongside governments and industry leaders, ICC and DSI are instrumental in creating a regulatory environment that enables full- scale adoption of electronic transferable records, including electronic bills of lading, digital promissory notes, and digital trade finance instruments. By aligning national regulations with international standards, Dutch businesses can remain competitive and seamlessly integrate into global trade ecosystems Urgent Next Steps for the Netherlands To capitalize on the momentum generated by the eBL initiative, the following actions should be prioritized: 1. Full Implementation of MLETR – Ensure all electronic trade documents are legally recognized, not just eBLs. 2. Update Existing Legislation – Revise outdated laws that still require paper-based documentation. 3. Invest in Digital Infrastructure – Secure and standardized platforms for digital trade document processing. 4. Educate Businesses – Provide training and support for companies transitioning to electronic trade. The introduction of eBLs is a positive but incomplete step toward full trade digitalization. If the Netherlands wants to lead in global trade efficiency, it must broaden its regulatory reforms to encompass all transferable records. By implementing the MLETR and updating national laws, businesses can fully embrace a paperless, efficient, and secure trading environment, ensuring that the Dutch economy remains competitive in an increasingly digital world. Stay updated and engage in the conversation! Join our MLETR implementation working group.

International Chamber of Commerce, World Business Organisation - ICC WBO Netherlands represents the voice of Dutch businesses on the global stage. For business. For you. International Chamber of Commerce Netherlands, part of the World Business Organisation: Enabling peace, prosperity and sustainability through trade Global Advocacy Ensuring business voices are heard internationally Global Advocacy Ensuring business voices are heard internationally Business Solutions Providing practical solutions for global trade challenges Business Solutions Providing practical solutions for global trade challenges Dispute Resolution Resolving disputes in international trade for over 100 years Dispute Resolution Resolving disputes in international trade for over 100 years ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. ICC is the collective voice of the real economy . Through a unique mix of advocacy, solutions and standard setting, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) champions the needs of businesses, large and small, in global decision-making and leveraging private sector know-how to deliver solutions that turn interconnected challenges into opportunity for all. Our members include Links ICC Model Contracts WISE Training One Click Week of Integrity Incoterms® Training Integrity Game

Join WISE W omen I n S trategic E ngagements Empower . Lead . Transform . WISE is a leadership development programme designed to strengthen strategic confidence, boardroom readiness, and international perspective. Apply now View program Download program Subscribe to WISE updates! About the Program What is WISE? WISE (Women in Strategic Engagement) is a leadership development programme designed to strengthen strategic confidence, boardroom readiness, and international perspective. Through expert-led sessions, practical frameworks, and peer exchange, WISE supports women who are ready to step into more visible and influential leadership roles. The programme focuses on how decisions are made, how power and governance work, and how leaders can position themselves effectively in complex organisational and international environments . WISE is available in two formats: In-person (Netherlands) – a cohort-based programme with live sessions only WISE Online (Global) – a flexible blended learning track for international participants 👉 Choose the format that fits your context, without compromising ambition. Highlights Comprehensive leadership development Covering personal leadership identity, strategy, finance, governance and decision-making. Expert-led learning and peer exchange Sessions are delivered by experienced professionals and enriched by dialogue with a diverse, international cohort. Boardroom and strategic focus Designed to prepare participants for senior leadership, board-level discussions and high-impact roles. Why choose WISE? Many talented women reach senior levels with strong expertise, but without the same exposure, confidence, or strategic space as their peers. WISE is designed to bridge that gap. The programme focuses on: Developing a strong leadership identity Understanding how boards, governance and decision-making work Building financial and strategic confidence Navigating power, influence and negotiation Operating effectively in international and cross-cultural settings WISE is not about teaching women how to “fit in”; it is about strengthening strategic voice, presence and positioning. WISE in numbers Based on participant evaluations 83% of participants say WISE increased their confidence as a leader 100% report an improved understanding of governance and strategic decision-making 100% found the programme useful or extremely useful This program is for women who know they have a lot to bring to the boardroom and want help making others see it too — while building skills and a strong, supportive network along the way" - Jamie Holton What I appreciated most about WISE was the combination of strategic depth, entrepreneurial learnings, and high-quality peer dialogue. The programme reinforced my leadership confidence and sharpened how I approach decision-making in both corporate and entrepreneurial contexts" - Andrea Cardoso My experience with Programme Wise was highly enriching. The expertise of the trainers, the quality of the modules content, and the interaction with my peers made it extremely valuable for both my personal and professional development, and I will actively apply the knowledge gained in my professional life" - Marianna De Ieso Thrilled to be contributing to a new cycle of the WISE programme for the International Chamber of Commerce. The multi-disciplinary modules, opportunities for peer learning and international mix of participants makes this programme truly distinctive in empowering women in their leadership journey. Looking forward to leading the first modules!" - Helen Tubb Developing a boardroom mindset is about much more than mastering governance tools. It is about building trust, communicating with clarity and assertiveness, and navigating conflict with emotional intelligence. By strengthening self-awareness, focusing on influence rather than concern, and embracing constructive dialogue, leaders create boardrooms where confidence, inclusion, and sound decision-making can truly flourish." - Pauline Six Here's what I wish someone had told me years ago: Your strength isn't in knowing all the answers. Your strength is in telling the story only YOU can tell about your business. Stop trying to sound like the accountant in the room. Be the founder. Be the leader. Be you. This workshop teaches you how to do that so powerfully that your board members stop interrupting and start approving." - Muriel Mosango Want to know more? Leave your details and we will contact you! Your name* Company name Email* Join "I started with dedicated pioneers: we broke the glass-ceiling by creating equality-laws, thus paving the road for female access to top decision-making roles. This was followed by women who had made it all (industrialists, investors, managers),who decided to mentor female talents in order to help them overcome the obstacles to the top. And now it is the turn of WISE, offering a program aimed at empowering female talent to excel in leadership. So: seize the opportunity to make dreams become true!” Viviane Reding , former First Vice President European Commission has served as an elected member of national and European Parliaments for 25 years. She was appointed as member of the European Commission for three mandates. First responsible for culture and education, then for telecoms and technological research and finally -as First Vice-President of the Commission- for justice and fundamental rights. In this role, she was the driving force behind the initiative to apply a 40% Gender Diversity Quota for all publicly listed companies, which ultimately led to the EU law on gender balance on corporate boards. Today she sits on advisory-boards and on company boards of international companies, operating mainly in the field of digitalisation and technology. She is also board member of Foundations engaging in geopolitics, societal and legal affairs. She has been nominated “ambassador” for the development of the Capital Markets Union by the European Banking Federation. She is Vice-President of the executive board of the “World Law Foundation”. Choose your Learning Path WISE In-Person An immersive programme built around live sessions and peer exchange. Start: 12 March 2026 End: 3 December 2026 Location: the Netherlands Key features: 15 in-person sessions spread over the year Interactive discussions, case work and peer learning Strong cohort experience and trusted learning space Delivered in the Netherlands Access to the self-paced e-learning modules (2-3 hours each) This format is ideal for participants who value face-to-face interaction and a fixed learning rhythm. WISE Online A flexible blended learning programme designed for an international audience. Launch: E-learning modules available from September 2026 Live online sessions start in April 2026 Key features: Self-paced e-learning modules (2–3 hours each) 15 live online sessions (approx. 2.5 hours each) Interactive discussions with an international cohort Designed to combine structure with flexibility E-learning modules The e-learning modules provide strong, structured content that participants can follow at their own pace. Each module focuses on a key leadership topic and combines: Clear explanations of essential concepts and frameworks Practical examples drawn from real leadership and boardroom contexts Reflection prompts to connect theory to your own role and organisation The modules are designed to serve as a long-term reference, allowing participants to revisit key insights and tools throughout and beyond the programme. Live online sessions Focus on dialogue, application and peer exchange Scheduled early or late CET to accommodate time zones of international participants. This format is ideal for participants who: Are based outside the Netherlands Combine leadership roles with demanding schedules Seek international exposure without extensive travel Programme fees WISE is a high-level leadership development programme. Programme fees reflect the scope, quality and intensity of the programme. WISE In-person (NL) €2,600 (ICC Members) €3,200 (Non-members) WISE Online (Global) €1,299 (ICC Members) €1,499 (Non-members) Fees cover: All programme sessions Learning materials and e-learning access Live online sessions (where applicable) Programme coordination and support Travel and accommodation (in-person) are not included. WISE is designed to remain as accessible as possible. In a limited number of cases , additional fee reductions may be considered, for example: for participants based in lower-income countries (in particular for the online programme) where participants are self-funding and face financial constraints in specific personal or family situations that may affect affordability Requests for financial support are reviewed individually , on a case-by-case basis , and are not guaranteed . For full fee information or to discuss whether you may be eligible, please contact us - info@icc.nl Programme content (both formats) WISE combines personal development and leadership knowledge , including: Leadership identity and self-awareness Strategic networking and sponsorship Financial fundamentals for leaders Governance, boards and responsibilities Negotiation and influence Organisational culture and decision-making Sustainability, geopolitics and international trade dynamics The learning objectives and ambition are the same in both formats — only the delivery differs. Meet the Trainers! WISE brings together experienced professionals from across the ICC network, including: Senior leaders Board members Legal, financial and governance experts Practitioners with international experience All trainers combine content expertise with practical insight , grounded in real-world leadership contexts. Helen Tubb Leadership Advisor, Trainer & Speaker With 30+ years in mid-market and international corporates, including senior executive roles, Helen brings first-hand business experience and insights into today’s leadership imperatives. Her INSEAD qualification in organisational psychology and distinction-awarded research decoded how sponsorship interactions really work inside companies. She now helps women and other under-represented groups harness their leadership potential and accelerate their careers through sponsorship - blending the latest research, real-world cases and her own authentic story. Pauline Six Pauline is a seasoned PCC coach specializing in leadership development and career transition. She brings a structured, positive approach, emphasizing active listening and challenging her clients to gain perspective. With extensive international experience in multinational and SME environments, including learning and development, she effectively partners with managers and leaders, empowering them to navigate change and achieve their objectives, even in complex situations. Empowering and coaching leaders is her passion. Muriel Mosango Muriel Bayeli Mosango is a dynamic Portfolio Manager at Degroof Petercam CA IndoSuez, where she focuses on European equities and sustainable, long-term investments. She has a strong passion for connecting capital to meaningful opportunities across the African continent. As a recognized investor and financial literacy advocate, Muriel is committed to bridging the gap between capital markets and entrepreneurial ecosystems. She actively mentors emerging talent in financial education and advocates for robust venture capital and private equity landscapes in underserved markets. Multilingual and globally connected, Muriel brings a unique perspective to investment strategy—seamlessly blending rigorous fundamental analysis with strategic vision for sustainable, long-term growth. Svjetlana Jerkovic As the Global Procurement Head of Raw Materials at ICL, Svjetlana brings a wealth of expertise from over two decades of leadership roles at Univar (North America, EMEA) and ICL. A seasoned global executive, she has had the unique opportunity to lead strategic commercial initiatives and collaborate across the value chain with partners spanning mining, manufacturing, distribution, SMEs, multinationals, and FMCG companies. Since joining ICL, Svjetlana has actively participated in transforming the procurement organization from a local to a global operation and continuous to successfully guide global teams through complex market dynamics. As a co-champion of ICL's Year of Sustainability, Svjetlana has been advancing corporate sustainability goals within Global Supply Chain, Procurement and Capex. She drives implementation of Together for Sustainability program, promotes Sustainable Procurement practices and plays an active role in Climate Impact and Scope 3 decarbonization initiatives. Svjetlana holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from McGill University (Canada) and a Global Executive OneMBA from Erasmus University (Netherlands). She is dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion and belonging through engagement and collaboration with organizations such as Professional Women International Brussels (PWI), Phoenix Executive, the Erasmus Center for Women and Organizations (EWCO) and European Women on Boards ( EWOB). She serves as an Advisory Board member at Women in Chemicals. She is a member of IMAGINE, a global leadership community for impact, where she contributes to scaling and accelerating systems change. Elizabete Kalnozola Elizabete Kalnozola is the Programme Manager for the International Chamber of Commerce’s Digital Standards Initiative (ICC DSI), based in Singapore. She leads multi-stakeholder programs advancing digital trade interoperability, coordinating pilots and adoption initiatives that harmonize electronic trade documentation and accelerate global digital trade readiness. With extensive experience in sustainability, governance, and innovation, Elizabete has managed complex cross-regional projects involving governments, industry leaders, and international organizations. Her prior roles include driving impact partnerships and digital transformation initiatives across APAC, forging over 200 collaborations between technology companies and nonprofits to deliver measurable social and sustainability outcomes aligned with the UN SDGs. Previously, Elizabete directed large-scale AI and cybersecurity skilling programs for Microsoft across Asia, training over 10,000 professionals and scaling diversity-focused initiatives that empowered 50,000+ women in technology. She also founded and grew a women-in-tech community to 5,000 members, influencing policy and inclusion strategies across the region. Recognized with multiple awards, including UN Women’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Award and Women in AI APAC accolades, Elizabete is a TEDx speaker and an advocate for inclusive innovation. She holds an MBA in General Management from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a BSc in Economics and Business from the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabetekalnozola/ Christine Heeger Christine Heeger developed the ability to adapt to diverse cultures and beliefs through her international experiences gained in Switzerland, Russia, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium. She started her career in the banking sector, initially as a trainee in Germany, and later as a Private Banker in Luxembourg providing counsel to high-net-worth clients on a range of investment opportunities including bonds, equities, currencies and derivatives. Drawing on this experience she played a significant role when she joined Phoenix Executive, a global recruitment partner dedicated to gender equality, in establishing and running the banking and finance division on a global scale. Over the years she conducted various assignments in different industry sectors, thereby enhancing her expertise in international and diversity executive search for the private and public sectors. Christine holds a Master’s Degree in Economics (Diplom-Volkswirtin) from the University of Münster, a Diploma in Translation from the Chartered Institute of Linguists in London and a Diplôme d’études universitaires générales from the University of Paris - Nanterre. Vera Klaus Vera Klaus decided to go abroad immediately for one year after secondary school. She spent time in the US, San Francisco and Spain, Madrid. This set the tone for her lifestyle as she embraced different cultures. As such she has lived and worked in 7 countries. Having successfully finished her business school she went back to her beloved Madrid, studied Spanish, and stayed on for a few years. Back in the Netherlands, she started her career as the assistant to one of the advisors of the Minister for Education and Culture, she learned how to deal with time pressure, multi-tasking and setting priorities. Vera also worked for an international Business Centre in The Hague, where she managed a team of 10, dealt with highly demanding clients, understanding their needs, and seeing to this with her team in an upbeat way, making her clients smile with her unwavering enthusiasm and sense of humor. Love sent her to Brussels, Paris, Stockholm, Köln. In Stockholm and Köln, she was a freelance translator and a volunteer at an international school, teaching children English and Math. A detour took her back to Brussels, where she started within executive search. In 2001 she became the co-founder of Phoenix Executive, an international research and executive search firm, which she managed to grow with her team to close to 20 fixed employees, with an additional pool of interns. Lately she and her business partner, Christine Heeger, are focusing on getting more women in executive committee positions and board functions, through their partnership with Forté Foundation in the US. Vera is a true believer in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Vera is also a proud mom, adores her dog, loves her family and spending time with them and friends around large dinner tables within her ever multi-cultural and international environment. Natália Leal Natália Leal is a jigsaw puzzle fanatic, a professional speaker, trainer and coach for expats and global leaders, as well as an Assistant Professor. She helps (aspiring) international professionals and leaders to upgrade their life & career, so they can enjoy an extraordinary life and thriving career, wherever they are. With 25 years’ experience across different countries and sectors (from executive to academia and policy-making), Natália loves to combine various science-based tools to speak about, design and deliver growth journeys that fit each organisation, leader or individual. A former Chief Executive of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and Deputy-Representative for Portugal in EU Council's CivCom, Natália holds a PhD in International Relations and a Master in Sociology, as well as a specialisation in Positive Psychology and various certificates in Coaching and Positive Intelligence. She volunteers in different organisations, such as the Rotary Club, ACCESS-Netherlands and the local Repair Café. Natália is originally Portuguese but has lived in the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands, and travelled around the world. She works mostly in English, but also speaks Portuguese, French, some Spanish and Dutch, and a little Italian. Helena Jansson Helena Jansson is a seasoned senior Finance Executive with over 30 years of experience in corporate leadership, business transformation, and international finance. She spent +28 years at FedEx, holding key senior roles at the European and International HQs, collaborating closely with Corporate & Express HQ in the U.S. With 15+ years at the C-level and two decades leading large finance teams across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, she has a strong track record in driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence. Her expertise spans logistics and international expansion, digital finance transformation, BPO strategy, acquisitions and integrations, corporate risk management, and fostering high-performing leadership teams. A champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, she has led impactful initiatives at the corporate level. She has a passion for entrepreneurship and has also sat on Board of Junior Achievement (JA) Europe for 5 years. Now retired from corporate life, she is embracing new learning experiences while enjoying time in Spain, current affairs and time with family and friends. Merei Wagenaar Merei Wagenaar is the Executive Director of UN Global Compact NL. This global multi-stakeholder initiative of the United Nations aims to enhance the collective positive impact of businesses and thereby accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With more than 22,000 participating companies and 70+ Local Networks covering almost 100 countries, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. Prior to her current role, Merei served as Deputy Director of International Business at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Twente and holds an Executive MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management. In various roles she aims to unite stakeholders to increase and accelerate the impact on the SDGs. Valérie van den Berg Valérie is a Dispute Resolution partner in the Amsterdam office of Pinsent Masons. She specializes in corporate litigation (e.g. joint venture disputes, emergency funding, EPC disputes) and she advises on ESG. Her ESG expertise covers CSRD, CSDDD, Greenwashing, Liability for misleading financial statements and investor claims. Valérie has a broad interest in liability issues related to pollution and the environment. Valérie is a member of the Pinsent Masons Climate and Sustainability Core Team. Lous Vervuurt Lous is a Legal Director in the Amsterdam office of Pinsent Masons. She specializes in banking & finance e.g.: conducting finance transactions, negotiating facility agreements, drafting security (pledges and guarantees) and legal opinions. Furthermore, she is engaged in financial regulatory advice mainly advising investment funds on the regulatory environment and legal structuring and investment firms on regulatory matters and securities issuing institutions on capital market rules (prospectus requirements, exemptions thereof). F.A.Q. ↪ Who can join the WISE program? WISE is open to women with a university degree or equivalent professional experience who hold, or are moving into, senior, strategic or leadership roles. The programme is designed for participants who want to strengthen their strategic confidence, leadership presence and ability to engage at decision-making and boardroom level. ↪ What formats are available? WISE is available in two formats: WISE In-person (Netherlands) A cohort-based programme with live, in-person sessions. WISE Online (Global) A blended programme combining self-paced e-learning modules and live online sessions. Both formats share the same learning objectives and ambition. The difference lies in the mode of delivery. ↪ What is the time commitment? WISE consists of 15 modules. In-person programme Modules are delivered during full-day sessions, typically covering two modules per day, spread across the year. Online programme Self-paced e-learning modules (approximately 2–3 hours per module) 15 live online sessions of approximately 2.5 hours each The programme is designed to fit alongside professional responsibilities while requiring active engagement. ↪ What topics does the programme cover? WISE combines personal leadership development with leadership knowledge, including: Leadership identity and strategic presence Financial fundamentals for leaders Governance and boardroom dynamics Negotiation, influence and decision-making Organisational culture and power dynamics Strategic networking and visibility International and cross-cultural leadership perspectives ↪ When does the programme start? WISE In-person 2026: Start: 12 March 2026 End: 3 December 2026 WISE Online: E-learning modules available from March 2026 Live online sessions start in April 2026 ↪ Where do the sessions take place? In-person sessions take place in the Netherlands . Online live sessions are delivered via Microsoft Teams . Session times for the online programme are scheduled either early or late CET to accommodate different time zones. ↪ Are sessions recorded? No. Live sessions, both in-person and online, are not recorded. This is a deliberate choice to ensure open discussion, trust and active participation. ↪ What happens if I miss a session? In-person participants who are unable to attend a session may join the corresponding online live session , where scheduling allows. Online participants are expected to attend the live sessions at the scheduled time. E-learning modules remain accessible throughout the programme and can be revisited up to 12 months after the completion. ↪ What support will I receive during the programme? Participants benefit from: Expert-led sessions delivered by experienced professionals Practical frameworks and real-world examples Interactive discussions and peer exchange Programme coordination and learning support WISE does not operate as a mentorship programme. Some WISE trainers are certified coaches . Where relevant, individual coaching sessions may be arranged directly with the trainer, subject to availability. Any such sessions are optional and not included in the programme fee; costs are agreed and paid directly between the participant and the coach. ↪ How does WISE support leadership development? WISE focuses on building the confidence, insight and perspective needed to engage effectively in senior leadership and boardroom environments. Participants strengthen their ability to: Contribute strategically to complex discussions Understand and challenge financial and governance information Navigate organisational and international contexts Position themselves with clarity and credibility as leaders ↪ What is the cost of the programme? Programme fees are: WISE In-person (Netherlands) ICC Members: €2,600 Non-members: €3,200 WISE Online (Global) ICC Members: €1,900 Non-members: €2,500 Fees include programme participation, learning materials, e-learning access (where applicable) and programme coordination. Travel and accommodation for in-person sessions are not included. ↪ Is financial support available? WISE aims to remain accessible. In a limited number of cases, additional fee reductions may be considered, for example: for participants based in lower-income countries (particularly for the online programme) where participants are self-funding and face financial constraints in specific personal or family situations that affect affordability Requests are reviewed individually and are not guaranteed. ↪ What is the application process? The application process consists of: Submitting the online application form Providing professional background information Review by the programme team Selected candidates will be contacted directly. ↪ Will I receive a certificate? Yes! Participants who complete the programme receive an ICC Certificate of Completion, recognising their participation in the WISE leadership development programme. ↪ Will I stay connected after the programme? Yes. WISE participants become part of the wider ICC and WISE alumni network and may be invited to future events and activities related to leadership and international engagement. WISE Program Registration Thank you for your interest in joining the WISE program. Completing this form is the first step in the application process. Please note that submitting your information does not guarantee acceptance , as all applications will be reviewed by our selection committee. If you would like to discuss your registration before applying, feel free to email us at info@icc.nl , and we’ll be happy to schedule a call to address your questions. Once your application is approved, we’ll contact you with the next steps to confirm your participation. We look forward to learning more about you and your aspirations! Personal Information First name* Last name* Email* Phone Birthday Day Month Month Year Professional Background Position Company name Address Industry Years of Professional Experience Do you have any experience serving in leadership or board roles? Yes No LinkedIn Profile CV - upload Upload File Educational Background Field of Study Institution Name Highest Level of Education Completed High School or Equivalent Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate/PhD Other Qualifications Program-Specific Questions Which WISE programme format are you applying for?* WISE In-person (Netherlands) WISE Online (Global) I am open to either format and would like to discuss this Please note: programme fees, scheduling and delivery differ between formats. What motivates you to join the WISE program? What are your key leadership or entrepreneurial challenges? Agreement I understand the time commitment and agree to actively participate in all sessions. I consent to my data being used for program communication and organization purposes in compliance with GDPR. I consent to the use of my image for promotional purposes during program sessions. Submit

< Back < Previous | Next > Enhancing Climate Finance in Emerging Markets 26 Jul 2025 Emerging markets and developing economies need US$450–550 billion in additional annual climate finance by 2030, but private flows are declining. ICC’s new policy brief shows how targeted reforms to the Basel III framework could unlock 3–4 times more private investment in climate-aligned projects. Ahead of COP30, ICC is calling for a structured dialogue with regulators to ensure climate finance flows to where it is most urgently needed. Emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) are central to achieving the Paris Agreement goals. They represent 25% of global GDP , yet attract just 14% of climate finance flows . Private finance to EMDEs is even more limited — only around US$30 billion annually , while the need is closer to US$450–550 billion each year by 2030 . A new ICC policy brief shows how reforms to the Basel III prudential framework could unlock significantly more private capital for climate-aligned projects in EMDEs. Current rules unintentionally discourage bank lending to these regions, despite strong data showing that project finance in EMDEs often outperforms corporate loans with lower-than-expected default rates and higher recovery rates. Key barriers identified: Limited recognition of risk mitigation tools : Guarantees and blended finance structures used by multilateral development banks (MDBs) and development finance institutions (DFIs) are often excluded from capital relief. Overly conservative treatment of project finance : Risk weights do not reflect proven performance and embedded protections. Country risk ceilings : Sovereign credit ratings inflate perceived risks, even for high-quality, co-financed projects, raising the cost of capital. The way forward ICC proposes a two-step approach : Technical clarifications – small adjustments to Basel rules that could immediately unlock more capital, such as recognising partial guarantees, timely payouts under MDB/DFI instruments, and borrower-level mitigants like FX hedging. Structural reforms – longer-term changes, including treating project finance as a distinct asset class, refining country risk treatment, and introducing a scaling factor for high-quality, climate-related EMDE investments (similar to the SME Supporting Factor in the EU). If implemented, these reforms could increase the bank capital available for climate projects in emerging markets by 3–4 times , without compromising financial stability. As the official voice of business in the UNFCCC process , ICC will take these recommendations into the COP30 negotiations in Belém, Brazil , calling for a structured dialogue with regulators and the Basel Committee to ensure climate finance reaches the regions that need it most. 2025-ICC-Enhancing-climate-finance-in-emerging-market-developing-economies-1 (2) .pdf Download PDF • 625KB

< Back < Previous | Next > Integrity & Culture “I Thought It Couldn’t Happen Here” 7 Apr 2025 In this candid interview, a regional director in France reflects on the lasting impact of a workplace harassment case, which challenged her views on leadership and integrity. Two years later, she sees integrity not as a fixed ideal, but as a daily commitment to psychological safety, accountability, and readiness. In conversation with a regional agency director in the construction sector, two years after a workplace harassment incident challenged her assumptions about trust, leadership and vulnerability in a tight-knit company. This article, challenging the idea that integrity is ever black and white, is part of ICC Netherlands’ monthly series leading up to the Week of Integrity 2025, where we spotlight real-world experiences and dilemmas at the intersection of culture and integrity. “We had built a culture together” Can you tell us a bit about your company and your role? We are a small public works company based in a town in southern France, with about thirty employees. I’m the agency director and have been with the company for more than twelve years. How would you have described the culture of your company before the incident? The company had gone through tough times before — high employee turnover, lack of shared values — but in recent years we had worked hard to build a more cohesive environment. We brought in an external coach, developed a sense of collective identity, and shaped a family-like atmosphere. We weren’t just colleagues; we’d grown together. That’s why what happened was such a shock. “The atmosphere was heavy — something had happened” How did you first learn about the incident? It was right after the Christmas break. Typically, our administrative team returns a bit earlier than the field staff, so it was a quiet Monday. We all had lunch together, as we usually do — but I felt something was off. There was a heavy, almost oppressive atmosphere. The next day, our accountant came to see me and told me she was the victim of harassment. What was your first reaction? I was deeply shaken — on several levels. First, I had absolutely no idea it had been going on, and apparently it had been happening for months. I always thought my team knew they could talk to me. It was hard to accept that something so serious had happened right under my nose and no one had come forward. Second, the person accused of harassment was someone I trusted completely. He had been with the company for 15 years — one of the pillars of the business. He was someone I worked with daily, someone who had even driven my daughter home when she did a summer internship with us. “No one told me and that was devastating” You mentioned no one came forward. Why do you think that was? That’s something I’ve reflected on a lot. Two colleagues were aware of the situation, including our retired accountant, who’s still someone I hold in high regard, and a trusted site manager. They knew, but they didn’t tell me. The victim had convinced them that she would handle it on her own. She didn’t want any trouble. She was still in her probationary period at the time and probably felt vulnerable. The accused, on the other hand, was seen as irreplaceable; a highly skilled, longstanding team member. In the end, the two colleagues who stayed silent suffered enormously. It was a form of torture for them to hold it in. They felt they had failed to act. And I… I felt betrayed and deeply questioned my leadership. Why hadn’t anyone felt safe enough to come to me? “There were no warning signs” Had you seen any signs or had concerns about the accused employee’s behaviour before this? None. Not a single red flag. He was respectful, kind, professional. I never heard a sexist remark from him — nothing inappropriate, not even close. Honestly, I had colleagues who were a bit rough around the edges, but not him. That’s what made it all so incomprehensible. What about mechanisms for reporting? Were there anonymous channels available?No, we don’t have anonymous reporting in place. We’re a small company, under 50 employees, so it’s not required by law. But we do have elected staff representatives trained as harassment contacts. When we initiated the internal investigation, confidentiality was strictly respected — to this day, very few people in the company know what really happened. Do you think an anonymous channel would have made a difference? Honestly? I’m not sure I would have acted on an anonymous letter. I’ve received anonymous complaints in the past — about things like drinking on worksites — and felt powerless to investigate without knowing who was involved. Also, in this particular case, I had so much trust in the accused that I might not have believed it without seeing the victim’s distress firsthand. “It unravelled everything” What was the impact on your business? Operationally, it was hell for several months. The internal atmosphere was incredibly tense. The investigation was emotionally draining for everyone involved — especially the victim, the accused, and the two colleagues who knew. And me. I had to face the fact that something serious had happened on my watch. The inquiry itself concluded that it wasn’t legally harassment in the strictest sense —but I classified it as such anyway. There were repeated inappropriate actions. Regardless of intent, the behaviour was unacceptable. We brought in a lawyer and imposed disciplinary measures, but ultimately, the accused left the company. So did the victim, after a mental health breakdown. A breakdown? Yes. The situation spiralled. She had initially insisted it was “all sorted” and didn’t want us to act. I tried to support her — encouraged her to take time off, offered psychological help, reassured her about her job. But things got worse. One day, I walked into the office and saw her shouting at our former accountant, who had returned temporarily to help with year-end finances. She was gripping her arm, screaming. It was frightening. That’s when I realized there were deeper psychological issues at play. “I tried to do everything right — and still, it wasn’t enough” How did it end? She went on medical leave, came back briefly, then left again. Eventually, we received a letter through her union representative — claiming I had known for months, had silenced her, even intimidated her. It was crushing. I had done everything in my power to protect her. We settled with a mutual termination agreement and a significant payout — for someone who had been with the company for less than a year. Meanwhile, I lost the trust of our head office. We’re still feeling the operational impact. Looking back, is there anything you would do differently? Yes. I would have taken the time to truly educate myself about harassment before it happened. I thought I was doing enough by sending two staff to get trained. I thought this couldn’t happen in a small company where everyone knows each other, where we have lunch together every day. I was wrong. Were there any signs you missed? No clear ones. She was always cheerful, always brought cakes, lit up the room. But later we learned she had recently lost 50 kilos, gone through a divorce… there were emotional wounds beneath the surface. Still, no one saw it coming. She kept it all inside. And the accused? He had a history of burnout. In hindsight, both of them were probably in a fragile mental state. And yet, the dynamic between them became unhealthy. Even when we tried to separate them, she would go into his office — lock the door. It was messy, blurred, toxic. “I used to think harassment only happened elsewhere” What would you say to other business leaders? Prepare yourselves. Really prepare. Don’t just tick boxes. Understand what harassment is, how it starts, and how to respond. Get trained yourself — not just your team. Don’t assume that being small or close-knit makes you immune. It doesn’t. Make sure people know the procedures. Put them on the wall if you have to. Talk about it — not just when something goes wrong, but regularly. Make it normal. Make it part of your culture. Because when it happens — and it might — you don’t want to be figuring things out in the middle of the storm. You want to be ready. And what does integrity mean to you, today? Initially, I only thought of integrity in financial terms — being honest in business dealings. But now I see it’s broader. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. In terms of safety — including psychological safety — that’s where we’ve still got work to do. Is there anything else you’d like to share? Only this: two years later, I’m still learning. Doing this interview made me realize how much I haven’t yet done — especially in terms of prevention. I managed the crisis. But I haven’t finished the job. Now, my responsibility is to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

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Discover the Week of Integrity organized by the International Chamber of Commerce Netherlands. Explore events, workshops, and discussions focused on promoting ethical business practices and integrity in the global marketplace. Join us in fostering a culture of transparency and trust. Partner meeting 24-04-2024 Greenwashing: Let's be real Following our engaging partner meeting held on April 24th, 2024, at the prestigious Beursgebouw in Amsterdam, we are delighted to share a glimpse of the event through captivating pictures and a brief summary of our discussions. Snapshot of the Gathering: The meeting, graciously hosted by Stichting DSI, provided a dynamic platform for stakeholders to convene and delve into the intricate subject of greenwashing. Against the backdrop of the historic Stock Exchange building, attendees immersed themselves in insightful conversations and exchanged perspectives on combating greenwashing practices. Key Highlights, 8 calls to action: Alignment in Communication: Enhance alignment between industry definitions and investor expectations. Communication professionals should clearly convey the real-world impacts and limitations of investment products, ensuring transparency and clarity. Open Dialogue on Investment Outcomes: Foster honest discussions, led by organizational leadership, regarding the outcomes of investments. Encourage transparency about achievable goals and the tradeoffs involved in allocating capital. Common Understanding of Sustainability: Develop a shared understanding of sustainability within the investment industry. Recognize that ESG serves as a lens for understanding sustainability factors but does not define sustainability itself. Explicitly outline the consequences and tradeoffs of pursuing sustainability goals. Direct Policy Action over Transparency: Advocate for more direct policy action, such as carbon taxes and clean energy incentives, rather than relying solely on financial market regulations like SFDR. Emphasize that financial markets are enablers, not drivers, of sustainability. Focus on Better Regulation: Prioritize better regulation over increased regulation. Address the limitations of current disclosure frameworks and ensure that sustainable investments deliver real-world contributions to sustainability goals. Realistic Risk Profiles for Sustainable Investments: Recognize the inherent risk in sustainable investments and avoid equating them with traditional products. Acknowledge that achieving sustainability outcomes may require accepting higher risk profiles. Navigate Data Challenges: Utilize data as a supporting tool, not as the sole determinant of sustainability. Avoid outsourcing the definition of sustainability to data providers, as it increases greenwashing risks. Encourage initiatives like the European Commission's efforts to improve the reliability and comparability of ESG ratings. Establish Industry Standards: Strengthen industry standards to build trust and consistency in sustainable investing. While avoiding complete standardization to allow for innovation, establish clearer definitions of sustainability to reduce confusion among investors. Empower investors to assess sustainability based on actual impact, supported by ongoing education and critical assessment within organizations. Looking Ahead: As we reflect on the success of our recent gathering, we remain committed to advancing dialogue and collaboration in our collective pursuit of integrity. Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives and opportunities to continue our shared mission. We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants for their contributions to the success of the event and especially to Stichting DSI . For more information about the Week of integrity and our ongoing initiatives, visit our website .