1. Global PartnershipsChambers of commerce play a pivotal role in the growth of the private sector. To enhance their management and service capabilities so that they can stimulate and foster private sector development, one of the ICC World Chambers Federation's most effective mechanisms has been the World Chambers Congress, which capitalizes on the exchange of chamber best practice and experience to achieve this goal. To assist chambers from the developing world benefit from the sharing of experiences with those from well-established chambers of commerce, WCF has fostered strong ties with multilateral development organizations to extend programmes of assistance and training for chambers of commerce from developing and least developed countries. A special feature of our Congresses has included workshops designed to address the new roles and services chambers of commerce in developing countries within the changing context of globalization and sustainable human development. In this regard, the World Chambers Federation has been pleased to have these organizations recognize this event as an effective means where chambers can, by learning from their colleagues, identify new methods and ways to support the private sector. It has also provided useful opportunities for mutually beneficial co-operation between these organizations and chambers of commerce at a local level