The FINANCIAL -- ICC has awarded two medals for the “Best Business Development Programme” by a local and national chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI).
The medals, honouring free enterprise, were presented at the annual JCI World Congress on 20 November by ICC Tunisia Secretary General, Ali Ben Yahia.
"The medal for the best business development by a local chapter went to JCI Jyvaskyla for a project focusing on building a regional co-operation model between the Junior Chamber and the Finnish chamber of commerce network," ICC reported.
The national chapter medal was given to JCI Philippines for its MAXX website which provides information for members of JCI Philippines about their business and allows opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs.
During his keynote speech at the JCI General Assembly, Mr Ben Yahia shared how the JCI World Congress provided him with the opportunity to observe the close links between JCI and ICC.
 “These links are first of all due to the convergence of our objectives and to the themes that unite us. In this sense global warming, the main theme of this year’s congress, is a preoccupation shared by our two organizations, and it is only one of many other issues of common interest.”
The JCI Congress also honoured 10 outstanding young persons less than 40 years of age for embodying the spirit of the organization. This year’s winners include an artist and dancer from Italy who was born without arms and a young man from Malta who left a well-paying job to live among and work with poor and vulnerable people in various developing countries around the world. ICC is a member of JCI’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) judging panel.
JCI’s General Assembly elected Roland Kwemain of Cameroon as the next JCI President by acclamation. Mr Kwemain said the next year would be one of change, and he urged all JCI members to be a part of the change they wish to see in the world.
ICC was represented at the Congress by Anthony Parkes, Director of ICC World Chambers Federation, who led a series of workshops promoting joint initiatives between both organizations, particularly World Chambers Network Business Opportunity Promotion Service, now available to all JCI chapters, as well as the Best Business Plan, delivered locally by JCI and chambers of commerce.
 Mr Parkes was also one of the judges in JCI’s “Creative Young Entrepreneur Award”, which honours responsibility and innovation in business. The award was given to Patrick Decuyper, co-founder Enfinity (Belgium), who was chosen as a finalist from among 145 entries from around the world. Established in 2005, Enfinity is a leading photovoltaic solar energy development company, providing renewable energy solutions in more than 12 countries.
JCI and ICC have enjoyed a strong working partnership for more than 20 years. Both organizations share the objectives of advancing global economic progress and encouraging entrepreneurship. ICC and JCI promote each other’s activities and work together to develop joint projects of mutual interest to their members.
Many JCI members continue their voluntary work in many chambers of commerce as well as within ICC’s network once they reach the age of 40. Maintaining the close relationship between the two organizations is natural and reinforces a common, worldwide network.