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Register for free ICC arbitration and ADR training in The Hague. Ideal for small firms and sole practitioners. External participants can join with a fee. Certificates provided. ICC Arbitration and ADR Training Registration Form As part of our commitment to providing better services and increasing knowledge around ICC Arbitration and DRS, we are pleased to offer our members the opportunity to participate in a training on ICC Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolutions. This training will be offered in the Netherlands, free of charge for our members, and conducted by a member of the ICC Dispute Resolution Services. How Does It Work? For Smaller Firms or Sole Practitioners : We will organize training sessions in The Hague, with online registration available. The possibility to adapt the agenda might be limited, depending on the needs. The training will also be open to external parties (with a participation fee). Certificates of attendance will be provided by ICC, allowing lawyers to claim their PO points. To streamline the registration process, please submit this form. Name of Firm Expected Number of Trainees Type of Training * Introduction to ICC Arbitration Focus Session on Specific Areas of ICC Arbitration Select topics you would like to address: * Required Overview of ICC Arbitration Role of the ICC Secretariat Role of the ICC Court Drafting Arbitration Agreements (incl. Scrutiny Process, Expedited Proceedings, Emergency Arbitration, Terms of Reference) Selection of Arbitrators Complex Arbitrations ICC Mediation Dispute Boards Proposed Timing (we will contact you for exact dates, please provide an indicative timeline) * required Preferred Time 08:00 AM 08:30 AM 09:00 AM 09:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 01:00 PM 01:30 PM 02:00 PM 02:30 PM 03:00 PM 03:30 PM 04:00 PM 04:30 PM 05:00 PM 05:30 PM Choose a time Focus Session topics you would like to address: * Required Overview of ICC Arbitration Role of the ICC Secretariat Role of the ICC Court Drafting Arbitration Agreements (incl. Scrutiny Process, Expedited Proceedings, Emergency Arbitration, Terms of Reference) Selection of Arbitrators Complex Arbitrations ICC Mediation Dispute Boards Preferred Time 08:00 AM 08:30 AM 09:00 AM 09:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 01:00 PM 01:30 PM 02:00 PM 02:30 PM 03:00 PM 03:30 PM 04:00 PM 04:30 PM 05:00 PM 05:30 PM Choose a time Contact Information: Additional Notes or Requirements I agree to the terms & conditions View terms of use Submit Thank you for submitting the form. We will contact you soon!

Decision Tree Question 1 Is your contracting party based in the Netherlands? Yes No If yes: then no clear preference for arbitration or governmental jurisdiction, barring other reasons that might induce someone to choose arbitration. Then to question 7. If no: then there may be a clear preference for arbitration. Then where the other party is located is important. This should then be asked out. For that, then question 2 is important. Question 2 Is your contracting party based in the EU? Yes No If yes: then there is no preference for governmental jurisdiction or arbitration as far as recognition and enforcement is concerned. Then continue with question 3. If no: then there may be a clear preference for arbitration. For this please continue with question 4. 🔄 Start over ⬅ Back to previous question Question 3 If your contracting party is based in the EU, do you care whether you have to litigate in a Dutch court or a foreign court if a dispute arises? Yes No If so: this may lead to a choice of arbitration. Moving on to question 6. If no: then there is no immediate reason to choose arbitration in this context. Continuing with question 7. 🔄 Start over ⬅ Back to previous question Question 4 Is your contracting party based in Mexico, Singapore or the United Kingdom? Yes No If yes: then the same applies as in question 2. Continue with question 5. If no: then continue with question 6. 🔄 Start over ⬅ Back to previous question Question 5 If your contracting party is based in Mexico, Singapore or the United Kingdom, do you care whether to litigate in the Dutch courts or courts in any of these states if a dispute arises? Yes No If yes: then the same applies as for question. Then continue with question 6. If no: then continue with question 7. 🔄 Start over ⬅ Back to previous question Question 6 If it matters to you whether you litigate before the Dutch court or foreign court, would this be a reason to consider an alternative method of dispute resolution if your contracting party is reluctant to choose the Dutch court? Yes No If yes: then arbitration is a clear alternative, continue with question 7 to test this further. If no: then continue with question 7 to see if there are other reasons to choose alternative dispute resolution. 🔄 Start over ⬅ Back to previous question Question 7 Is it important to you that any dispute with your contracting party be treated confidentially in principle? Yes No If yes: reason to choose arbitration. If no: at this point no preference for arbitration / governmental jurisdiction. 🔄 Start over ⬅ Back to previous question Question 8 Is it important to you that you can in principle influence the planning and design of the proceedings? Yes No If yes: reason to choose arbitration. If no: no preference for arbitration / governmental jurisdiction at this point. 🔄 Start over ⬅ Back to previous question Question 9 Do you prefer a quick in principle final decision to the possibility of appeal? Note: this question is subject to caveats: (i) sometimes an appeal is also possible in arbitration (but not in ICC); (ii) in arbitration there is the possibility of setting aside an arbitral award, a procedure in the state court. Many users with little knowledge of arbitration may also consider that a form of appeal. Yes No If yes: reason to choose arbitration. If no: reason for choosing governmental jurisdiction. 🔄 Start over ⬅ Back to previous question Question 10 Do you find it convenient to be able to litigate in English? Yes No If yes: then this may be a reason for arbitration (alternative is NCC, which may come out, depending on answers to other questions). If no: this does not necessarily preclude arbitration. 🔄 Start over ⬅ Back to previous question Question 11 Do you find it objectionable to advance costs for the person who settles the dispute? Yes No If yes: reason for choosing governmental jurisdiction. If no: reason for choosing arbitration. 🔄 Start over ⬅ Back to previous question Question 12 In public proceedings, often only a fraction of the actual costs incurred is reimbursed to the winner; in arbitration, in principle, all costs are reimbursed. For the party that prevails this can be favourable, for the party that loses it can be unfavourable. Do you find this objectionable? Yes No If yes: reason for choosing governmental jurisdiction. If no: reason for choosing arbitration. 🔄 Start over ⬅ Back to previous question Thank you for participating! Test Start over

Explore ICC's comprehensive business solutions designed to facilitate global trade. From ATA Carnets and Incoterms® to model contracts, certificates of origin, and digital trade tools, discover how ICC's standards and resources support businesses of all sizes and drive international commerce. Business Solutions At ICC, we leverage our diverse network, skills and expertise into providing a full spectrum of practical trade tools that are essential to making business work for everyone, everyday, everywhere. We have a unique capacity to facilitate knowledge, create trade tools, and set global industry standards and best practices that have practical impact to global trade and commerce. One Click International Trade Tools ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year and serves as a guarantee to customs duties and taxes. ATA Carnets cut red tape by simplifying and unifying customs border crossing regulations. ATA Carnet Incoterms® rules are a set of standards used in international and domestic contracts for the delivery of goods. They are recognised by UNCITRAL as the global standard for the interpretation of the most common terms in foreign trade helping to avoid costly misunderstandings by clarifying the tasks, costs and risks involved in the delivery of goods from sellers to buyers. Incoterms ® ICC model contracts and clauses provide businesses – from start-ups to SMEs to multinationals – with practical legal tools for international trade, including export/import, confidentiality and force majeure. Model Contracts & Clauses Certificates of Origin certifies that goods in a shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or the agri-food sector. Certificates of Origin Through tailored partnerships, ICC Trade Now connects MSMEs to game-changing products and services that aim to bridge the global trade finance gap by scaling innovative trade finance solutions, empowering MSMEs to access international markets, while creating new investment opportunities for financiers. ICC Trade Now The Centres of Entrepreneurship provide essential support to inspire future entrepreneurs, scale start-ups, enable participation in the digital economy and foster inclusiveness, with the overarching objective of fighting poverty and reducing inequalities. Centres of Entrepreneurship ICC Agri-Food Hubs facilitate discussions and active collaboration between institutions and businesses in the agri-food sector. It aims to create tools, activities, and events to share knowledge and best practices to encourage the development of innovative projects that help companies adapt to rapid changes in the global market. ICC Agri-Food Hubs The ICC Academy offers industry-recognized professional qualifications and expert-led training programs. These programs provide flexible learning options, including online courses and in-house sessions, tailored to meet individual and organizational needs. Certifications & Learnings ICC NL provides a range of guidelines and standards aimed at facilitating international trade. These resources cover areas such as trade finance, arbitration, anti-corruption measures, and commercial contracts, serving as essential tools for businesses engaged in cross-border activities. Guidelines & Standards The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation is a public private partnership for trade-led growth, supporting governments in developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) in implementing the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. Trade Facilitation At ICC, we work every day to advance sustainability, to accelerate action on climate and nature and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all. We do this in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Sustainable Development The Week of Integrity is the annual multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to foster the exchange of knowledge and stimulate the debate on integrity in the workplace and in the boardroom, at all types of organizations. Week of Integrity

Start: February 2025 | The Hague, The Netherlands ESG Governance Training Program 2025 Start: February 2025 | The Hague, The Netherlands ESG Governance Training Program 2025 Equipping leaders to drive sustainable, ethical, and impactful business practices. Equipping leaders to drive sustainable, ethical, and impactful business practices. Register Now Register Now Download Brochure Download Brochure 5-6 March 2026 In-House ADR Training for Corporate Legal Teams Empower Your Team with Tailored Expertise Register Now We are pleased to offer exclusive in-house training sessions designed to strengthen the capabilities of corporate legal teams, contracting teams, and professionals involved in contract negotiation. These two-and-a-half-hour sessions are free of charge for corporates and for ICC member law firms . There is no specific level of expertise required, making these sessions accessible to in-house legal teams and practitioners involved in ICC dispute resolution and contract management. Whether your team is preparing to engage in arbitration, refining contract terms, or exploring alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, these training sessions provide valuable insights and practical tools. Even if your arbitration is not ICC-specific, the concepts and strategies shared are universally beneficial. Through informal discussions or structured presentations, we aim to meet your team’s needs, offering actionable knowledge to help your business navigate disputes with confidence and precision. Tailored Approach: Customized content carefully designed to address your team’s unique priorities and challenges. Informal Q&A sessions where your team can raise specific concerns or ask for advice on particular cases. Structured presentations covering high-demand topics, such as drafting effective dispute resolution clauses and understanding arbitration processes. Key Themes & Topics Drafting Effective Dispute Resolution Clauses: Strategies for ensuring business continuity through well-drafted clauses. Exploring options available for arbitration and ADR to resolve conflicts efficiently. Key considerations for what should be included in contracts to mitigate risks. Introduction to ICC Arbitration: Comprehensive overview of the arbitration process, from start to finish. Key features of ICC arbitration, including the scrutiny process, expedited proceedings, and emergency arbitration services. Understanding ICC Tools and Services: The role of the ICC Court and Secretariat in supporting arbitrations. Best practices for selecting arbitrators tailored to the needs of your case. Techniques for managing complex arbitrations, such as those involving multiple parties or contracts. Complex Arbitrations: Managing multi-party or multi-contract arbitrations effectively. Exploring ADR Solutions: Insights into the benefits and practical applications of ICC Mediation. Leveraging dispute boards for proactive and efficient conflict resolution. Each session is designed to be dynamic and interactive, ensuring that participants can immediately apply what they learn to their work. By focusing on these essential topics, we empower your team to foster efficient dispute resolution and achieve long-term business success. Why Choose ICC Training? Our training sessions bring unparalleled expertise from the ICC directly to your team. By participating, your team will gain: Access to practical, actionable insights shared by experienced ICC experts. Tailored guidance on leveraging ICC’s dispute resolution tools to their full potential. Enhanced capabilities in managing disputes effectively and drafting agreements that mitigate risks and ensure continuity. These sessions also provide an excellent opportunity for direct engagement with ICC professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of ICC resources and their application to real-world scenarios. Schedule Our in-house training sessions are offered twice a year , with an expert trainer traveling from ICC Headquarters to conduct them. The next available session is scheduled for 5-6 March 2026 , with a subsequent session in the autumn of 2026 . Organizations requiring training outside these planned dates can contact us to discuss additional possibilities. To ensure your team doesn’t miss out, we recommend reserving your spot early as availability is limited. Register Now How to Schedule Your Training Booking a session is easy. Simply contact us to schedule a date that works best for your team. We will collaborate with you to tailor the content to your organization’s needs, whether your team prefers an interactive discussion or a presentation-based approach. Take this opportunity to enhance your team’s expertise in dispute resolution, gain valuable tools to safeguard your business interests, and foster a stronger understanding of ICC’s offerings. With ICC’s expert guidance, your team will be better equipped to handle disputes efficiently, minimize risks, and contribute to your organization’s long-term success. For more information and to book a session, please visit our website or contact us directly. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your team with world-class training and resources. Contact Information For questions or to discuss your registration, contact us: Email: info@icc.nl Website: www.iccwbo.nl Location: ICC Netherlands, Bezuidenhoutseweg 12, 2594 AV, The Hague Get in touch Registration form to In-House ADR Training for Corporate Legal Teams First name* Last name Email* Sumbit registration We will contact you regarding your participation, don't forget to check your Inbox!

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< Back Marieke Witkamp Marieke Witkamp LLC Arbitrator Biography Marieke Witkamp FCIArb is a Houston based international arbitrator with an LLM in Dutch and US Law and a Texas bar license. She also holds the CIArb Diploma in International Maritime Arbitration. Marieke has a unique professional background. She is originally trained as a commercial judge in the Netherlands and became an international commercial and arbitration lawyer after moving abroad to the United States and the Middle East. She dealt with ICC arbitrations as counsel in Qatar and worked as in-house counsel in the Dutch energy industry and the sports & entertainment industry of Qatar. She is therefore familiar with every perspective when it comes to dealing with disputes: as the court, as counsel and as the client. Working on 3 continents has also given her a proper understanding of the different expectations that parties may have in cross-border disputes. Marieke’s areas of expertise are maritime, insurance, construction, energy law and post M&A disputes but she is comfortable with almost any contractual dispute that comes up. As a judge she had to deal with anything that entered her docket - she is trained to familiarize herself with new types of commercial conflicts and legal issues in a short time. Marieke’s significant experience as an arbitrator includes sitting as sole arbitrator, emergency arbitrator, party and chair arbitrator in commercial disputes with seats in the US, UK and the Netherlands. Marieke is a hands-on arbitrator who takes her responsibility to start off a procedure in the best way possible. She will customize a procedure to the parties’ needs and will take the necessary decisions to keep a procedure on track. She is often asked as chair as she is very experienced in managing cases, leading hearings and writing fair and well-reasoned awards. Marieke frequently travels to the Netherlands/Benelux and will not charge for travel expenses. Contact Details Tomball, TX 77375, Verenigde Staten +18324586340 marieke.witkamp@outlook.com Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken English, Dutch Specialisation Construction, Engineering, Arts,Leisure, Entertainment, Tourism, Sales, Purchases, Transport, Maritime, Pharmaceutical, Joint Ventures, Consortia, Cooperation, Insurance, Energy and Natural Resources, Distribution, Franchising, Corporate Law / M&A, Real Estate Shipbuilding Bar Admission(s) US (US Bar) Credentials CV

Explore trainings Equip yourself with practical tools to navigate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) challenges in today’s business landscape. Read more WISE - Empowering women through strategic leadershiptraining, mentorship, and global networking. Read more Our events Beyond Trust: What the Pels Rijcken Case Teaches Us Tue 02 Jun Pels Rijcken What happens when crisis hits at the top? Insights on leadership and reputation from the Pels Rijcken case. RSVP The electronic Bill of Lading becomes law Fri 05 Jun Teams From paper to bytes: what is means for your business RSVP Young Arbitration and ADR Forum (YAAF) Wed 11 Nov Location is TBD Learn more Dispute Resolution Forum Thu 12 Nov Location is TBD Guest speaker: Claudia Salomon Learn more Joint Arbitration Day Thu 03 Dec Location is TBD Learn more

Learn about the ICC Netherlands Arbitration Committee, its key initiatives, and the members who drive ICC’s dispute resolution efforts. Explore how the committee engages with arbitration and ADR through discussions, seminars, and events across the Netherlands. Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Committee Discover the Commission's Key Initiatives ICC Netherlands Arbitration Committee The Dutch Arbitration Committee consists of all corporate, law firm and organizational members of ICC Netherlands who are interested in learning about and becoming more involved in ICC’s dispute resolution services in the Netherlands. The group meets in different parts of the Netherlands and abroad at luncheons, roundtable discussions, ICC arbitration conferences and via video or telephone conferences. Working with ICC HQ, the Arbitration Committee help organize conferences, seminars and corporate roundtables to educate the public about ICC’s different dispute resolution services and mechanisms. Below is a list of the current ICC Netherlands Arbitration Committee leaders: Marnix Leijten (De Brauw) - Chair of Dutch Arbitration and ADR Commission Nominations Commission ICC Netherlands may be requested by the ICC International Court of Arbitration® (“ICC Court”) or the ICC International Centre for ADR (ICC Centre) to propose Dutch nationals with the required qualifications to serve in each case. ICC Netherlands may also propose non-nationals residing in the Netherlands. This process is administered by the Arbitration Nominations Commission, which interacts with the Secretariat of the ICC Court to enhance the appointment process. If you are an arbitrator and would like to be considered for an ICC Arbitration, or have any questions about the process please contact the ICC Netherlands at info@icc.nl. Below is a list of the current ICC Netherlands Nomminations Commission members: Willem van Baren (Independent Arbitrator) Bartholomeus P.H. Leijnse (Leijnse Artz) Thomas Stouten (Houthoff) Martje de Vries Lentsch (De Brauw) Marieke van Hooijdonk (A&O Shearman) How to Join To become a member of the ICC Netherlands Arbitration Committee, you must be a member of ICC Netherlands. To find out if your corporation, firm or organization is already a member or for information about becoming a member, please contact us at info@icc.nl.

< Back < Previous | Next > Shifting the perspective of ethics and compliance by focusing on return-on-investment Tim Morss - CEO, SpeakUp 23 Mar 2026 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. Shifting the perspective of ethics and compliance by focusing on return-on-investment Too often compliance officers bring forward real business challenges, only to be told there’s no budget. Meanwhile, the weekly floral arrangements in the company lobby cost more than the tools that would help prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones. That disconnect is more than frustrating. It’s a symptom of how compliance is still perceived in many organizations, a cost. And when compliance is viewed that way, it gets resourced that way. Just enough to meet the minimum but not enough to be effective. A different approach starts with a different story. To shift the perception of compliance from “the department of no” to an active safeguard of business value, the conversation can’t begin with policies. It must begin with value. When compliance is communicated in ROI terms, four outcomes become easier for leadership to see: · It’s more cost-effective than crisis response · It strengthens brand perception · It improves productivity · And it supports retention If compliance is expensive, try non-compliance Non-compliance is rarely tracked as a single line item. It hides in legal fees, external counsel, internal investigations, operational disruption, customer churn, reputational damage, and leadership time that gets pulled away from growth priorities to deal with a fire. Everyone has felt it, but few organizations total it up. ROI framing changes that dynamic. It turns compliance into the kind of investment leaders are already used to making, i.e. trading unpredictable, unplanned costs for a smaller, planned spend that reduces volatility. Compliance keeps the business out of expensive chaos. And doing that requires funding. Compliance pays for itself One of the most useful ways to explain the ROI of ethics and compliance is to analyze the cost of real-world failures and focus on how strong programs change the pattern of incidents. Strong programs don’t create a perfect world where nothing goes wrong, but they do reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of problems. Research has pointed to the same core conclusion for years: organizations with weaker programs spend meaningfully more on penalties, legal fees, and disruption than those with stronger ones. Roughly, an average of $9.4M per year in non-compliance costs versus $3.5M per year to run a strong compliance program. On average, that’s a different of $5.9M per year that can be put back into the business. It’s not necessary to walk into a budget conversation and claim a precise ROI number. What matters is explaining the mechanism. Strong programs catch issues earlier, handle them consistently, and document them well. That lowers the cost of remediation, reduces reliance on outside counsel, and gives leadership confidence that risk is being managed. Its changes the conversation from being a moral argument, to an operational one. Speed matters: time is a cost driver If there’s one ROI lever executives understand immediately, it’s speed. The longer an issue sits unresolved, the more expensive it becomes. More meetings, more people involved, more time spent chasing facts, more uncertainty hanging over a team, more opportunity for the problem to spread, and more chances the story breaks externally instead of being handled internally. When intake is simple, triage is structured, ownership is clear, and documentation is reliable, investigations move faster and decisions get made sooner. There’s also a second-order benefit that’s harder to quantify but easy to feel: employees notice when action happens quickly and fairly. Ethics builds loyalty because trust is sticky The compliance conversation often gets trapped in a narrow frame: penalties and regulations. But the bigger value is cultural. Great people want to work for great organizations, and great organizations are the ones where employees believe the standards are real, the process is fair, and speaking up won’t end their career. When the system feels trustworthy, people stay. When it doesn’t, they quietly start looking to leave and the organization pays for it in turnover, lost productivity, and leadership distraction. Research summarized in Harvard Business Review has highlighted how ethical environments and psychological safety correlate with loyalty and retention. That matters because retention is one of the most expensive problems businesses have. Replacing experienced employees costs real money, and it drains momentum from teams. The ROI of compliance isn’t only about avoiding downside but also strengthening the investment the organization has already made people, knowledge, culture, and execution capacity. Culture drives performance Values-driven cultures function better. Engagement goes up when people trust leadership and believe the rules apply consistently, and productivity tends to follow. Research from Gallup, shows that a straight line can be drawn from a credible ethics environment to day-to-day performance. Teams spend less time navigating internal politics. People collaborate more openly because they aren’t constantly protecting themselves. The organization moves faster because trust removes friction. Ethics shows up in brand and market confidence Risks create volatility whereas transparency creates stability. Even for private companies, trust is priced. Customers ask for assurance. Partners assess credibility. Employees decide whether values are real. Investors and boards price uncertainty aggressively. Organizations with strong compliance programs are not risk-free, but they are less surprising and that is a competitive advantage. This is another reason ROI framing shifts perception, it connects compliance to outcomes leaders already value: stability, reputation, and confidence. The shift that changes everything Compliance only looks like a cost center when it’s described as one. It looks like a value function when it’s described as a system that protects value and strengthens performance. The equation is simple: · When people feel safe to report, issues surface sooner. · When issues surface sooner, they get resolved faster. · When they get resolved faster, they don’t snowball into reputation- or revenue-destroying crises. · When employees see that the system works, they trust it · And that trust builds loyalty and productivity. This is what is actually being purchased when compliance is funded, but it’s rarely communicated this way. So the next time a budget conversation comes up, don’t lead with a tool, lead with outcomes. Talk about reducing the cost of disruption, strengthening brand perception, improving productivity, and retaining great people. Flowers are nice. But funding compliance is how an organization protects, and grows, what it’s building.

Discover how ICC drives sustainability in line with global goals. We support businesses in adopting sustainable practices, contributing to climate action, and navigating the path to a prosperous, eco-friendly future. Sustainable Development ICC delivers solutions that address the major shifts taking place in the world economy. Read the Commission fact sheet At ICC, we work every day to advance sustainability, to accelerate action on climate and nature and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all. We do this in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as UN climate and biodiversity agreements have created enormous opportunities for businesses willing to put sustainability at the heart of their operations. Putting sustainability first not only enables business to drive the transition to a better and more just world, it makes plain business sense. According to recent studies, sustainable business models could open economic opportunities worth at least US$12 trillion—creating up to 380 million jobs per year until 2030. But research has also shown that many companies, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, face challenges to integrate sustainability considerations into their operations and core business practices. While many businesses are already playing a leading role in promoting sustainable development, there is still some way to go in fully engaging the global business community in the 2030 challenge. Delivering fully on the promise of a more sustainable and prosperous future for all requires the right policies and incentives, effective tools and, most importantly a collaborative effort to enable the transformation of business practices towards sustainability more broadly—including within the small business sector. ICC continues to play a key role in contributing to international policymaking and leading international debate on the development of coherent policy frameworks, solutions and tools that enable and scale enhanced ambition and action and facilitate the transition to a sustainable, net-zero emissions and nature positive economy. This also includes helping to build an understanding within the SME community of the long-term commercial benefits of sustainable business practices. Climate Action Accelerating action on climate and nature to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all. Read more Good Governance Responsible business conduct is the foundation of Sustainable business practices. Read more Human Rights Respect for human rights is a key vehicle through which business can help achieve the broader vision of peaceful and inclusive societies. Read more

Explore ICC's comprehensive business solutions designed to facilitate global trade. From ATA Carnets and Incoterms® to model contracts, certificates of origin, and digital trade tools, discover how ICC's standards and resources support businesses of all sizes and drive international commerce. How to draft a contract Draft contracts with international business partners effortlessly using ICC Model Contracts and Clauses and the right Incoterms® rules. Go to: Step 1: Save time with ICC Model Contracts Step 2: Include ICC Model Clauses and Agreements Step 3: Choose the right Incoterms® rules Congratulations, you have successfully taken the first steps to kick-start your global export journey and identified a viable commercial opportunity. You are now looking to transact with a customer or a supplier in a foreign market. Get ready to draft, negotiate and conclude your contracts by following these steps: Save time with ICC Model Contracts Include the right clauses and terms Choose the right Incoterms® rule s This work will be essential to your long-term success, whether you are selling goods to a foreign customer, hiring a commercial agent, entering into a franchising agreement, or choosing a distributor. Step 1: Save time with ICC Model Contracts Whether negotiating a consultancy agreement abroad, cooperating on major projects or licensing a trademark, ICC Model Contracts help you get your international contracts right. Drafted by legal experts from across ICC’s worldwide network, our range of model contracts provide balanced, neutral templates for use across legal jurisdictions, empowering you to quickly establish an even-handed agreement with parties in another country. Discover ICC Model Contracts & Learn how to use ICC Model Contracts with our video series ICC Model Contracts for Start-ups Start-up ventures are drivers of today’s economy and allow creators and businesspeople across the globe to share their innovative ideas with the world. Get the model ICC Model Contract on Distributorship Distributorship contracts are one of the most frequently used means for organising the distribution of goods in a foreign country. Get the model ICC Model Contract – International Sale (Manufactured Goods) An international business transaction requires a precise and detailed underlying contract. Get the model ICC Model Contract – Commercial Agency Virtually every company engaged in international trade makes use of agents and therefore must face the problem of drafting an international agency agreement. Get the model Step 2: Include ICC Model Clauses and Agreements Clauses and agreements in international contracts specify the commitments of each party. Omitting to include clauses could prove costly in potential disputes which is why it is important to include clauses on confidentiality, contract variation, force majeure and other key areas. Discover ICC Model Clauses and Agreements Force Majeure and Hardship Clauses ICC has updated its Force Majeure and Hardship clauses to help businesses large and small draft contracts adaptable to unforeseen events such as the COVID-19 outbreak. Get the model ICC Model Confidentiality Agreement Before entering a business transaction, companies of all sizes have to consider how to protect sensitive information by drafting a non-disclosure agreement. Get the model ICC Model Anti-corruption Clause The general aim of the Clause is to provide parties with a contractual provision that will reassure them about the integrity of their counterparts during the pre-contractual period as well as during the term of the contract and even thereafter. Get the model Not sure how to approach data-related clauses? Data Management Guide for Small Business The ICC Data Management Guide, in partnership with the University of Vienna, that can helps you address data- related topics when engaging and drafting contracts with your business partners. Read more about the Guide Download the Guide Step 3: Choose the right Incoterms® rules A key decision to make when drafting your international sale contracts is the selection of the right Incoterms® rules, which define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in a transaction. As the creator and guardian of the Incoterms® rules, ICC has made available a range of resources to help you decide which of the 11 Incoterms® 2020 rules to include in your contract. Tools and resources to choose the right Incoterms® rules Incoterms® 2020 App Get expert insights curated by ICC, the guardian of the Incoterms® rules. Download now Incoterms® 2020 wallchart Each Incoterms® rule in one visual. Get the wallchart Globally-recognised certificates Become an ICC-certified Incoterms® experts. Browse courses ICC Handbook on Transport and the Incoterms® 2020 Rules Your interactive guide to selecting the right Incoterms®2020 rule. Get the Handbook Step 1 How to seize global trade opportunities Step 2 How to draft a contract Step 3 How to execute a business transaction Step 4 How to prevent and solve potential disputes in business Step 5 How to meet international ESG requirements Related pages How to execute a business transaction How to execute a business transaction How to prevent and solve potential disputes in business How to prevent and solve potential disputes in business How to meet international ESG requirements How to meet international ESG requirements

Docdex When disputes related to trade finance instruments occur, ICC offers a specialised procedure that is confidential, quick and cost-effective called Documentary Instruments Dispute Resolution Expertise (DOCDEX). Parties may file a Request for a DOCDEX Decision for any dispute relating to: a documentary credit; a standby letter of credit; a bank-to-bank reimbursement; a collection; a demand guarantee or counter-guarantee; a forfaiting transaction, a bank payment obligation (BPO); or any other trade finance-related instrument, undertaking or agreement. Depending on the amount in dispute, DOCDEX proceedings are capped at US$5,000 or US$10,000. What’s more, even in exceptional cases, the International Centre for ADR (“Centre”) will only charge an additional fee of US$3,000 or US$6,000. DOCDEX decision is a thorough analysis and well-considered conclusion with DOCDEX. Cases are decided by a panel of three impartial experts having extensive experience in, and knowledge of, trade finance transactions. These experts are specially selected from a list maintained by ICC Banking Commission. A Technical Adviser nominated by the Commission then personally reviews each decision to verify that it is in line with ICC Banking Rules and/or international trade finance practice standards. The entire process usually takes between two and three months, which is time-efficient compared to years with court proceedings. DOCDEX Decisions are kept private and rendered in English. They are not binding unless the parties have otherwise agreed and are not arbitral awards. However, anonymised DOCDEX Decisions are widely distributed to enable practitioners to avoid common errors leading to disputes while at the same time preserving confidentiality. Advantages of Docdex Cost-effective Straightforward prodecure Fast procedure Authoritative and Impartial decisions Experts ICC Banking and Dispute Resolution in one procedure DOCDEX Rules In force as of 1 May 2015, ICC Rules for Documentary Instruments Dispute Resolution Expertise (DOCDEX) provide parties with a specific resolution procedure that leads to an independent, impartial and prompt expert decision settling disputes involving trade finance-related instruments. Read more ICC DOCDEX Services This brochure introduces ICC DOCDEX — a specialized, document-based dispute resolution procedure designed specifically for the trade finance industry. Administered by the ICC International Centre for ADR, DOCDEX provides a rapid, impartial, and cost-effective alternative to litigation or arbitration. Read more DOCDEX expert Upon receipt of an admissible Claim, the ICC International Centre for ADR (“Centre”) shall appoint a panel of three experts (“Appointed Experts”) from a list maintained by the ICC Banking Commission (“List”). This List consists of experts having experience in, and knowledge of, trade finance transactions. The Chair of the Banking Commission is the repository of the List and can add or remove experts from the List at any time, as need be. In selecting the Appointed Experts, the Centre consults with the Technical Adviser to the ICC Banking Commission, who shall provide guidance on the area(s) of expertise that the Claim requires and that the Appointed Experts should possess. The Centre shall also designate one of the Appointed Experts to act as the president (“President”). The identities of the Appointed Experts remain confidential from the parties, and all communication between the parties and the Appointed Experts is conducted via the Centre.