Ontario Chamber of Commerce to Host 2027 World Chambers Congress (WCC)

(Toronto – December 12, 2024) – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has been selected to host the 2027 World Chambers Congress, a biannual conference of Chambers of Commerce leaders from around the globe. The OCC was selected following a competitive process involving multiple bidders from across the Americas.

“It is an immense honour for the OCC to be chosen as the host of the 2027 World Chambers Congress,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the OCC. “With the theme ‘Prosperity with Purpose: Building Inclusive, Sustainable Economies,’ this event is an opportunity to tackle global challenges, connect chambers from every continent, and bring together diverse voices to the world’s most diverse city – Toronto. As we prepare for the Congress in September 2027, this will be a time of extraordinary opportunity for chambers across Ontario, Canada and North America, as we plan to engage and welcome our colleagues from around the globe.”

Organised by ICC and its World Chambers Federation, the World Chambers Congress is the largest and the only international forum that enables chamber leaders and professionals to share best-practices, exchange insights, develop networks, address the latest business issues affecting their communities and learn about new areas of innovation from chambers around the world.

“With the Ontario Chamber’s vast experience as the organiser of the Ontario Economic Summit—one of North America’s leading chamber events—we are confident they will deliver a world-class Congress that leaves an enduring legacy,” said Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, World Chamber Federation (WCF) Chair. “Moreover, the strategic location of Toronto, with much of the US population within a short flight, presents an unparalleled opportunity to expand the reach and engagement of the WCF in North America.”

By bringing together more than a thousand of the world’s leading chamber leaders, trade delegations, and local business leaders, the 15^th WCC in Toronto is only the second World Chamber Congress ever held in Canada, with the previous edition having taken place in Quebec City in 2003.

Statement from the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada:

“Sending my heartiest congratulations to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for being chosen as a host of the 2027 World Chambers Congress in Toronto. This landmark conference will bring together over 1000 business leaders and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, share innovations, build relationships, and showcase our homegrown expertise on the biggest stage. This is a massive win for Canada.”

Statement from the Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario:

“Congratulations to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on winning the bid to host the 2027 World Chambers Congress. This is an incredible opportunity to showcase our province as a hub for investment and innovation, supported by a talented workforce and a competitive business environment that make Ontario a prime destination for international businesses to invest, grow, and create jobs.”

Statement from Her Worship, Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto:

“Toronto is a dynamic and diverse city, among the fastest growing in North America. The opportunity to showcase Toronto and its progressive business climate to leaders from around the world is an exciting one. Congratulations to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce – Toronto is excited to host the World Chambers Congress in 2027.”

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and sustainable, inclusive economic growth in the province.