NEW YORK, NY – November 19, 2020 – Today, the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) announced the winners of the 2020 WTCA Champions Awards, its inaugural awards program designed to recognize outstanding contributions from member World Trade Centers (WTCs) within the WTCA network, and in their local and global communities. The association’s global network is comprised of more than 320 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries.

Part of the association’s 50th Anniversary celebration, honorees were nominated by their fellow WTCA members, while winners were selected by a select panel for their contributions to the network across four categories — Connectivity, Reciprocity, Network Support and Sustainability — and the coveted Member of the Year award exemplifying the values, vision, mission and goals of the association.

• Champion Award for Member of the Year: Pamela Pascual of WTC Metro Manila for representing the WTCA brand effectively, providing brand exposure to thousands of businesses entering its expo space and availing themselves of the multiple services that the WTC Metro Manila team provides.
• Champion Award for Connectivity: Cheryl Smith of WTC Las Vegas for offering incredible VIP benefits to all WTCs and their delegates at the world's largest consumer electronics show, CES® in Las Vegas.
• Champion Award for Reciprocity: WTC Dublin for offering B2B matchmaking services and preparing their member SMEs to go global, ensuring benefits of the business transaction are properly reciprocated.
• Champion Award for Network Support: Karen Gerwitz of WTC Denver for sharing her knowledge and experience with her fellow WTC members, and making important contributions to the network through her work in the WTCA Member Advisory Council - Conferences & Exhibitions and Trade Services.
• Champion Award for Sustainability: Evert Jan Schouwstra of WTC Leeuwarden for inspiring WTCs and companies from across the world to learn more about The Netherlands' strength in the following Sustainable Goals: clean water and sanitation, good health and well-being, industry innovation and infrastructure, and gender equality, among others.

“The inaugural Champions Awards winners embody all that our association has represented over the past 50+ years. They are a true resource for not only their peers, but also the local business ecosystems and communities in which they operate,” stated John E. Drew, Chair, Board of Directors of the World Trade Centers Association. “On behalf of the organization, I am pleased to extend my congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees. The power of our network stems from the dynamic engagement of our diverse member base, and together, we are able to make a positive impact on trade and investment on a global scale.”

New York, NY (November 9, 2020) — The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) — an international trade organization connecting more than 320 World Trade Centers (WTCs) in 90 countries — is pleased to announce its participation with the United Nations Global Compact (UN Global Compact), which for 20 years has been uniting businesses for a better world driving change across all aspects of corporate sustainability. The WTCA’s participation demonstrates the association’s support for the UN’s mission to drive business awareness and action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

“On behalf of the WTCA, we are proud to announce our commitment to support the UN Global Compact with advancing its ten principles with respect to human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption,” stated John E. Drew, Chairman of the WTCA. “Our association will engage in this initiative by making these principles an integral part of our business strategy, day-to-day-operations and organizational culture, and advocating for responsible business practices.”

The WTCA’s participation will further support its mission to operate responsibly and support society in alignment with universal sustainability principles. Comprised of more than 11,000 companies and 3,000 non-business organizations in more than 160 countries around the world, the UN Global Compact and its participants are a natural fit for the WTCA as they represent nearly every industry sector and size, and come equally from developed and developing countries.

“The UN Global Compact provides a universal language for corporate responsibility and a framework to guide all businesses regardless of size, complexity or location,” stated Sanda Ojiambo, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. “We’re honored to have the WTCA’s participation in our initiative, which makes a statement about the strength of the association and its members’ values to make our world better. We look forward to seeing the WTCA’s commitment to corporate sustainability and a long-term partnership with the UN Global Compact.”

The WTCA’s participation with the UN Global Compact is the second new strategic engagement that the WTCA has announced as it continues to expand its network of partners across various sectors and industries relevant to its members.

“Today’s climate brings to the forefront the importance of sustainability and ESG – Environmental, Social and Governance – principles. These cover how we conduct ourselves, how we treat each other fairly and with dignity, how we care for the environment and how we operate with good governance. Joining the UN Global Compact’s initiative will allow WTCA Members to engage with other participants; partner with a wide range of stakeholders; share tools, resources and trainings for responsible corporate practices; participate in local networks in 85 countries; and join a global community of businesses in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” says Robin van Puyenbroeck, WTCA Executive Director of Business Development. “We’re excited for our association’s new initiative to become a global driver of change.”

To view the WTCA’s letter of commitment with the UN Global Compact, visit https://unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/participants/141326.

MEDIA CONTACT:

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Kasik
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: ckasik@wtca.org

About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 320 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in 90 countries. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, the WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently-owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of the WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.

About the UN Global Compact (UN Global Compact) 
As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Launched in 2000, the mandate of the UN Global Compact is to guide and support the global business community in advancing UN goals and values through responsible corporate practices. With more than 11,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and 68 Local Networks, it is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world. To learn more, visit www.unglobalcompact.org.

New York, NY (October 20, 2020) — The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) — an international trade organization connecting more than 320 World Trade Centers (WTCs) in 90 countries — is pleased to announce its membership with UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. The WTCA counts many state-of-the-art conference and exhibition center WTCs in its global network, and is focused on further growing WTCA membership in the industry.

“On behalf of the WTCA, we are proud to be a member within UFI’s network of exhibition professionals, and to bring its knowledge and expertise in the exhibition industry to our member WTCs,” stated John E. Drew, Chair, Board of Directors of the WTCA. “With its global presence, UFI offers extensive networking and educational opportunities that will enhance the promotion and support of our WTCs in the exhibition industry.”

Representing more than 800 member organizations in 88 countries around the world, UFI will provide WTCA members with enhanced global connectivity in the exhibition industry, best practices and industry research. This engagement will further support both the WTCA and UFI’s positions as advocates for the exhibition industry in addition to global trade and investment around the world.

“The current COVID-19 pandemic has challenged businesses in every sector, especially in the exhibition industry as we rely heavily on face-to-face interaction,” stated Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director and CEO of UFI. “We are excited to have the WTCA join our network. There are many synergies as we both strive to promote the business interests of our members. One example is how our protocols to re-open exhibitions safely can benefit WTCA’s members. We very much look forward to a long-term partnership.”

Through its engagement with UFI, the WTCA will continue to expand its network of strategic partners and engagements across various sectors and industries relevant to its members.

“We are focused on expanding and diversifying our global footprint, and strategic partnerships play a key role in this effort, “ stated Robin van Puyenbroeck, Executive Director-Business Development of the WTCA. “We look forward to welcoming more conference and exhibition centers as WTCs in our network. Being a WTC means being part of a global network of trust.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Kasik
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: ckasik@wtca.org

About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 320 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in 90 countries. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, the WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently-owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of the WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.

About UFI
The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry: UFI is the global trade association of the world’s tradeshow organizers and exhibition center operators, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations, and selected partners of the exhibition industry. UFI’s main goal is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry. UFI directly represents more than 50,000 exhibition industry employees globally, and also works closely with its 60 national and regional association members. More than 800 member organizations in 88 countries around the world are presently signed up as members. Around 1,000 international trade fairs proudly bear the UFI approved label, a quality guarantee for visitors and exhibitors alike. UFI members continue to provide the international business community with a unique marketing media aimed at developing outstanding face-to-face business opportunities. To learn more, visit www.ufi.org.

Xiamen and Beijing, China (September 8, 2020) — The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) — a global network of more than 320 highly-connected, mutually supportive businesses and organizations — is pleased to announce its participation in two leading international platforms in trade and investment — the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, China from September 4-9, 2020 and the 2020 China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, China from September 8-11, 2020. The former, CIFTIS, will focus on fast-growing and emerging areas of service trade, and is hosted by the China Ministry of Commerce and Beijing Municipal Government. The latter, CIFIT, will focus on connecting investors, traders, service providers and government agencies to China and the rest of the world, and is hosted by the China Ministry of Commerce.

“On behalf of the WTCA, it is our pleasure to participate and have significant presence in not one but two leading international platforms in global investment and trade this week,” said Mr. Robin van Puyenbroeck, Executive Director-Business Development of WTCA. “For the past five years, we have supported CIFTIS as a major international partner to showcase trade in services around the world. And for the past nine years, we have supported CIFIT’s commitment to the promotion of global investment and trade through organized trade missions. In today's world where we see a new form of globalization unfolding, a digital globalization, the ability for people around the world to connect with one another in a trusted environment has become an essential business necessity. Through platforms such as CIFTIS and CIFIT, we have the opportunity to create and strengthen connections and interaction with the Chinese market as well as others around the world.”

The WTCA will be co-hosting a forum at CIFTIS in partnership with the Cooperative Alliance of China Association of Trade in Services. Titled “Smart Office Interconnection Development Forum,” the event will begin with opening remarks from Mr. van Puyenbroeck and feature case studies by local companies; a panel discussion with Mr. Wei Kai of China WTC and other panelists; and an MOU signing ceremony for WTC Shenyang and other companies. The event will conclude with networking and business matchmaking sessions. Attendees expected include 26 representatives from China WTC, WTC Beijing, WTC Harbin, WTC Jinzhong, WTC Quanzhou, WTC Singapore, WTC Tianjin and WTC Xian.

Further, the WTCA will co-host two events at CIFIT, showcasing its global network and brand through roundtables, forums, and matchmaking sessions. First, in partnership with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the CIFIT Organizing Committee, the WTCA will co-host the “Summit of World Business Leaders’ Roundtable,” which will focus on the theme of “Artificial Intelligence Changes the Future.” In addition to WTCA, speakers will include executives from Alibaba, Baidu, Golden Home, Huawei, the Institute of Computing Technology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Meiya Pico, Pingan Intelligent City Solution, TAIDA, Uisee and Unisound. Second, in partnership with CCPIT Fujian, the Fujian Provincial Department of Commerce and the Bank of China (Fujian Branch), the WTCA will co-host the “Maritime Silk Road International Economic and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Symposium” focusing on the preparation of Fujian’s participation in the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai. Mr. Ghazi Abu Nahl, Chairman Emeritus of the WTCA, will also provide comments at CIFIT’s International Investment Forum.

“While this year’s events are a bit different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I’d like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the participants, our partners in China and the organizers of both events for making this event possible despite the challenges, and look forward to a successful outcome,” stated Mr. van Puyenbroeck.

MEDIA CONTACT:

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Kasik
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: ckasik@wtca.org

About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 320 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, the WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently-owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of the WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more visit www.wtca.org.

NEW YORK, NY – September 2, 2020 – The World Trade Centers Association Foundation (WTCAF) is proud to announce Savannah, Georgia-based Foster Beelief as winner of its second annual “Peace Through Trade” Competition, a platform dedicated to identify and inspire the next generation of young leaders to improve the world through entrepreneurial projects.

The competition provides the World Trade Centers Association’s (WTCA) global network of 322 cities with an opportunity to submit projects on behalf of the students of their communities that address 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“In its second year, the WTCAF Peace Through Trade Competition received an enthusiastic response that resulted in quality submissions of innovative projects from student teams around the world,” stated Catherine Lee, Chair of the WTCAF Board of Directors. “We would like to thank all participants for their valuable contribution to this year’s competition, and send a special word of gratitude for the incredible support from so many WTCs around the world. It is because of their participation, that we are able to fulfill our mission of bringing peace through trade.” 

“The WTCAF Board selected Foster Beelief as this year’s winning team based on their project’s focus on promoting and developing sustainable farming activities, on promoting ethical international business practices, and on its research orientation and global perspective in addressing a specific environmental issue,” stated Lee. “We are excited for the team to share their vision with the WTCA community and to progress their project further with the support of our global network. Congratulations again to Foster Beelief and the two other finalist teams of this year’s competition.” 

This year, WTC Savannah submitted the winning team. Founded by Savannah State University students Sade Shofidiya, Jennyfer Dayan Vivas Gomez and Karen Perez, Foster Beelief works to promote sustainability through the education of the at-risk honeybee population, increasing STEM interests and environmental stewardship, building stronger industry and community partnerships, and increasing citizen involvement in communities. The winning student team will present their project and engage with the WTCA members at the 2021 WTCA General Assembly — the association’s annual meeting of more than 500 representatives from member WTCs, foreign trade delegations, and local companies. 

“We are honored to be first place and we look forward to presenting in front of the WTCA General Assembly! This is our time, to be the change the world needs and open doors of opportunity for marginalized groups to learn and engage in sustainable practices. We are one planet, and like the honeybees, we are one hive. We believe in a world of environmental and social justice, and we will continue to strive until there is a universal network of caring people that are changing our world for the better,” Sade Shofidiya, Founder and CEO of Foster Beelief.

“We are so proud of the Foster Beelief team,” said Scott Center, WTCA Board Member representing WTC Savannah. “Their project is vitally important, and it is absolutely remarkable how this endeavor tackles so many issues troubling our world today head on. Health, environment, poverty, immune systems, nutrition and urban food deserts are all addressed through the Foster Beelief initiative.”

This year’s first runner-up team is ReNu Hygienics, submitted by WTC Winnipeg. Led by University of Calgary and York University students Parker Easter and Silas Lee, ReNu Hygienics focuses on upcycling bars of soap from soap that would have otherwise been thrown out by local hotels, and providing them to those less fortunate who need them. The second runner-up team is Agro-preneurs, submitted by WTC Mumbai. Led by students Ishita Joshi, Ashi Gala, Karan Patil and Kalpesh Patil, Agro-preneurs aims to bridge the gap between farmers and investors all over the world, providing farmers with the best quality resources to yield the best quality harvest through capital from investors.

For more information about the WTCAF and its annual Peace Through Trade Competition, visit www.wtcafoundation.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Kasik
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: ckasik@wtca.org

About World Trade Centers Association Foundation
The World Trade Centers Association Foundation (WTCAF) is a private, U.S. tax-exempt, charitable organization (501c) founded in 2008, the mission of which is to conduct programs that promote social welfare in the pursuit and support of activities that foster peace and social stability. The WTCAF makes a difference by encouraging a better understanding of international trade; promoting and developing sustainable farming, energy, and transportation and trading activities; elevating the standard of living in less developed countries; and promoting ethical international business practices. To learn more visit www.wtcafoundation.org.

About World Trade Centers Association
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 320 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, the WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently-owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of the WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more visit www.wtca.org.