The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health, economic and societal emergency that requires effective and immediate action by governments, individuals and businesses. 

All businesses have a vital role to play in minimising the potential human and economic toll of the crisis rapidly unfolding in front of us. 

In line with our institution’s renewed purpose to enable business worldwide to secure peace, prosperity and opportunity for all, we today commit the International Chamber  of Commerce (ICC) to take every possible action—globally and locally—to stem the worst effects of the pandemic and ensure a sustainable economic recovery. 

We recognise this will require concerted leadership and collaborative action on three fronts:  

> rapidly adapting our services to meet the emerging needs of businesses —in particular, small enterprises

> focused engagement with international organisations and governments to ensure effective policy responses to COVID-19 in both the short and long term

> mobilising the private sector and forging new partnerships to amplify efforts  to stem the pandemic and rebuild for the future

We are clear that extraordinary interventions will be needed in the coming weeks and months—and, indeed, potentially years—to beat the threat posed by COVID-19. ICC must respond with agility, precision and foresight to this new challenge—working effectively with our network of over 45 million companies—to mitigate immediate risks and enable peace, prosperity and opportunity for all. 

In furtherance of our commitment, ICC has initiated unprecedented collaborations with the World Health Organization and the International Trade Union Confederation as we engage with G20 leaders and other partners to secure a coordinated policy response  to the crisis. Global cooperation has never been more vital against a threat that, by its very nature, knows no borders. 

We can overcome the crisis that currently confronts us and emerge more resilient  than before. ICC will act boldly and swiftly to make this a reality.