This opening session warmly welcomes participants to the Congress and the land on which it is held. It begins with an introduction by event moderator Alicia Loxley, who will set the tone for the Congress by highlighting the theme “Business, chambers, and governments: Partners for prosperity.” She will also explain the Congress Storyline and how participant insights will shape the Guide to Prosperity, encouraging active engagement throughout the event. 

Following this, participants will be invited to connect with the land and its heritage through a Welcome to Country ceremony led by Murrundindi, Ngurungaeta (Head Man) and Elder of the Wurundjeri tribe. This traditional protocol honors the local culture and sets a respectful and inclusive foundation for the discussions ahead, particularly around diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

What does bringing the Congress to Victoria mean to our Congress co-organisers and what are the unique aspects of the region? This fireside chat will discuss the unique opportunities Melbourne and the State of Victoria can offer as our Congress destination to ensure business, government, chambers work as partners for prosperity. 

In this dynamic session three world renowned leaders set the tone for the days ahead, exploring how the geopolitical landscape and global economy are set to impact and shape the future of business. A high-level panel discussion will follow the insights to diver deeper into challenges and opportunities for chamber and business leaders. The session will conclude with an interactive exchange to share reactions and spark the conversations that will shape the rest of our Congress programme.  

Tea/coffee break with networking opportunities. Participants are invited to visit the Exhibition Area to connect with peers and explore exhibits. 

Featuring leaders from the International Chamber of Commerce, the ICC World Chambers Federation and the Victorian Chamber, our official opening begins with an opening ritual and will invite participants to contribute to a collective Guide to Prosperity. 

Join ICC Secretary-General John W.H. Denton AO as he contributes to the Guide to Prosperity and takes us on a tour of the ICC world for insight into regional challenges and opportunities. Hear collaboration success stories showcasing how chambers, governments, and businesses can work together. 

Networking and exhibition time. Participants are invited to visit the Exhibition Area and enjoy refreshments.

Why is collaboration between governments and chambers crucial for driving prosperity?  

From trade turbulence to currency fluctuations, how can chambers, governments and businesses adapt to ensure resilience and prosperity? Join us for this insightful session which will analyse current and emerging disruptions and risks for global economic activity and entrepreneurship. Discover actionable strategies that distinguish the approaches of large companies from those of SMEs, providing valuable insights for all participants. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders and gain practical knowledge to navigate the complexities of today’s global landscape. 

Tea/coffee break with networking opportunities. Participants are invited to visit the Exhibition Area to connect with peers and explore exhibits. 

Join this session to discover how governments, chambers and businesses can collaborate to create investment-friendly environments. We will be  showcasing frameworks for fairness, transparency and trust-building to create stability.  

This session will spotlight the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) as a global case study in how data-led collaboration between chambers, government, and business can drive economic growth, inform foreign policy, and promote international trade. 

Set against the backdrop of the UK Government’s new focus on economic diplomacy — articulated in Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s March 2025 speech at BBC’s Driving International Trade Conference and the forthcoming industrial strategy from Secretary of State Jonny Reynolds — this panel will demonstrate how BCC’s unique model of regional insight, business engagement, and global reach is influencing national strategy and delivering results on the ground. 

The session will explore how BCC’s Future of the Economy manifesto, its regional business data, and the newly established Diplomatic Advisory Hub are helping to reshape the UK’s approach to international growth, while offering a replicable framework for other nations and chamber networks. 

At the end of our first day, join VCCI Chief Executive Paul Guerra for an overview of the day’s highlights and another chance to contribute to our Guide to Prosperity. 

Networking continues with a chance to engage in B2B, C2C, B2G, C2G, and B2C  in a casual setting. 

Participants transfer to Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium.  

The Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium provides a unique and enchanting setting for our official Congress Welcome Reception. 

We’re ready to start the day and invite you to join us for a quick reminder of Day 1 highlights and a look at what’s still to come. We’ll also be taking this opportunity to review some of the contributions already collected for our Guide to Prosperity. 

In this milestone year for climate change negotiations, we’re addressing the world’s pressing climate and sustainability challenges. Our session will explore innovative solutions and bring you pre-COP30 insight directly from the International Chamber of Commerce, the official focal point for business in the COP process. We’ll showcase the critical role of collaboration between governments, chambers of commerce and businesses in unlocking new decarbonisation pathways and host small-group discussions to identify barriers, brainstorm strategies and share actionable ideas. Together, let’s be part of the solution and drive meaningful progress towards a sustainable future. 

The wait is over with the first session of our  World Chambers Competition showcasing finalists in our Best Green Transition Project category. Finalists will present their innovative projects aimed at promoting green transitions and sustainability. Don’t miss this inspiring session.  

Tea/coffee break with networking opportunities. Participants are invited to visit the Exhibition Area to connect with peers and explore exhibits. 

If you’re seeking inspiration to help your chamber address global issues, look no further than this session. Featuring chamber leaders from across the world, we’ll hear success stories of collaborative and innovative approaches to help build actionable and impactful strategies back home. 

Networking and exhibition time. Participants are invited to visit the Exhibition Area and enjoy refreshments. 

Join our inspiring session of finalists of the 2025 World Chambers Competition to present their impactful projects in our category for Best Collaboration of Chambers, Business and Government Project. 

Tea/coffee break with networking opportunities. Participants are invited to visit the Exhibition Area to connect with peers and explore exhibits. 

There is no doubt about the enormous potential of AI to enhance efficiency and productivity for businesses everywhere. However, managing the potential risks such as regulations on information access, data biases, and AI platform access inequality remains a topic of debate. Join us for this session as we delve into these concerns and hear potential solutions from our esteemed panellists.  

Discover the projects that have made it to the finals of our World Chambers Competition, in our category for Best Chamber Innovation Project. 

Our keynote speaker takes to the stage to inspire our vision to address today’s most pressing challenges through enhanced the session ties together themes of innovation, climate action, and global partnerships. 

VCCI Chief Executive Paul Guerra wraps up the day’s activities, connecting the discussions of the day to the themes we will tackle tomorrow. 

Informal networking opportunities with sponsor activation. Participants can engage in B2B, C2C, B2G, C2G, and B2C networking in a casual setting. 

Let’s get the day going with a reminder of yesterday’s highlights and a look at what’s coming up on today’s agenda. We’ll also take a look at the latest updates to our Guide to Prosperity looking at some of your stand out contributions.   

Don’t miss this high-energy session showcasing the personal stories of leaders , highlighting how they overcame challenges to redefine norms in their respective organizations and communities around the world. We’re celebrating the diverse leadership styles that drive resilience, innovation and adaptability in today’s complex, unpredictable and ultra-connected world.  

Time for more inspiring projects from the finals of our World Chambers Competition. In this session we’ll hear presentation from the chamber finalists in our category for Best Diversity and Inclusion Project. 

Tea/coffee break with networking opportunities. Participants are invited to visit the Exhibition Area to connect with peers and explore exhibits.

Our World Chambers Competition finals conclude with this final session presenting projects in our category for Best Out-of-the-Box Project. Finalists will present their unique and pioneering projects that are not typically associated with their everyday mission and objectives. 

Don’t miss our final keynote of the Congress connecting us to today’s theme of global business and economics. The keynote will be followed by a 10-minute interview, establishing relevance for chambers, businesses, and governments. 

ICC Secretary John W.H. Denton AO and VCCI Chief Executive Paul Guerra will share their personal and professional Congress takeaways, reflecting on key contributions to our co-created Guide to Prosperity and providing insight into what is planned next for these collected testimonials.  

Participants have free time for other business or tourist activities. 

Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration to conclude our time in Melbourne. Discover the winners of the 2025 World Chambers Competition and experience the excitement of our historic handover to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, official co-host of the 15th World Chambers Congress in Toronto in 2027.