UN General Assembly grants Observer status to ICC

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

The decision — taken by 193 members of the UN General Assembly during its on-going 71st session in New York — is the first time that a business organisation has been admitted as an Observer at the UN General Assembly. The list of UN observers is highly restricted and features principally intergovernmental organisations.

Commenting on this development,

ICC Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said : “This is huge recognition of the role that business can play in contributing to a better and peaceful world. There is only one route to meeting the many challenges that face our society—from climate change to mass migration—and that is for governments and civil society to work hand-in-hand with the private sector.

Granting Observer Status to ICC sends a powerful signal that the UN recognises business as a vital partner. We stand ready to ensure that the private sector plays a full role in meeting the ambition of the 2030 agenda"

The new role for ICC means that business will, for the first time, have direct voice in the UN system. The decision paves the way for ICC to contribute directly to the work of the General Assembly and reflects the vital role the private sector will play in implementing the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

srivats.kr@thehindu.co.in