The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has granted Observer Status to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
The decision was taken by 193 members of the UN General Assembly during its on-going 71st session in New York.
ICC is the world’s largest business organisation representing more than six million members in over 100 countries.
It 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.
Granting Observer Status to ICC sends a powerful signal that the UN recognises business as a vital partner.
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.