ICC and WHO launch worldwide business survey to improve COVID-19 information flows

In response to COVID-19, ICC and WHO are surveying the private sector to gather more information about global business responses and develop solutions that will address the spread of the pandemic. The ICC-WHO survey will improve information flows between different sectors of the global economy and develop a framework for managing the economic and human consequences related to the pandemic’s spread.

On the launch of the ICC-WHO survey, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said,

“By providing transparent feedback, the private sector can minimise the spread of COVID-19 and address the pandemic’s underlying repercussions for our global economy. ICC and WHO are calling on business leaders – as trusted voices in their local communities – to share more information about the pandemic’s influence on their daily operations, supply chains, and employees.

Please, take a few moments to complete this survey, so that we can protect our colleagues, customers, and communities from the continual damage caused by this pandemic’s spread.”

The survey is the latest step in ICC and WHO’s unique collaboration to provide reliable COVID-19-related information to the private sector and develop trusted guidance for business communities around the world. As part of an initial joint statement, ICC and WHO called upon national governments to adopt a ‘whole-of-society’ approach in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Calling for participation in the survey via video message, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said,

“This survey will allow us to understand how businesses are responding. It will help us map best practices and understand better where we and national health authorities should focus our attention. The information generated by the survey will help us mount an effective response, saving lives and minimising economic damage.”

ICC Ireland Secretary General and Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland Ian Talbot said,

“As the results published yesterday from Chambers Ireland’s most recent national business survey show, the pandemic has deeply impacted businesses across Ireland, on a widespread scale reaching across different industries, with consequences and challenges for all levels of Irish society.

While the data being shared is stark, it is crucial in identifying the necessary, practical solutions to address the pandemic. By completing this survey, businesses will be speaking out on the challenges they now face while playing their part in a global business response, coordinated through the ICC, the largest business representative organisation in the world and the WHO.

This joint effort is a unique partnership bridging together the voice of business at all levels, representing local communities from Ireland and at global level, with medical experts to address this crisis.

We strongly urge businesses to complete this survey from the ICC-WHO to share key information to develop the best response possible to the impacts of the pandemic.”

Further Notes:

• The ICC-WHO survey is designed to only take a few minutes and can be found by clicking here.
• Medallia, a leading customer experience technology company, is providing the technology and assisting ICC in deploying and providing analytics for this important online survey.
• About the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC): The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the institutional representative of more than 45 million companies in over 100 countries. ICC’s core mission is to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere. Through a unique mix of advocacy, solutions and standard setting, the ICC promotes international trade, responsible business conduct and a global approach to regulation, in addition to providing market-leading dispute resolution services. ICC members include many of the world’s leading companies, SMEs, business associations and local chambers of commerce. ICC Ireland is supported by Chambers Ireland.
• Read ICC and WHO’s joint statement to mobilise business leaders to respond to COVID-19.
• To access the survey results report of the Chambers Ireland COVID-19 Business Community Survey published yesterday, click here.