INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR
Energy Industries Council
The Energy Industries Council (EIC) stands as one of the UK’s largest energy trade associations and the fifth largest globally, representing nearly 950 companies across all energy sectors. With international members now accounting for 46% of our total base, EIC has evolved into a truly global organisation.
Over the past three years, EIC has transformed its international influence through strategic investments in proprietary data, advocacy, and events. Our flagship databases—EICDataStream, EICAssetMap, and EICSupplyMap—have all grown in scale and underpin our unique, evidence-based global advocacy. In 2024, we launched our first UK Manifesto and, in 2025, expanded our advocacy reach with a new purpose: The Voice of the Energy Supply Chain, Globally.
We now deliver over 160 events annually, including strategic new events Bankable Energies and EICConnect Borneo, the latter which attracted record international participation (1,200+ delegates) and had full Ministerial endorsement. Our Survive & Thrive insight report continues to drive member loyalty and policy insight, directly influencing retention and revenue.
With the launch of a new European hub, EIC is not only connecting markets but shaping international energy conversations. We are more than a trade body—we are a data-driven, international force driving the future of energy, globally.
ISC2
ISC2 is the world’s leading member organization for cybersecurity professionals, driven by our vision of a safe and secure cyber world. Our more than 265,000 certified members, and associates, are a force for good, safeguarding the way we live. Our award-winning certifications – including cybersecurity’s premier certification, the CISSP® – enable professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities at every stage of their careers. ISC2 strengthens the influence, diversity and vitality of the cybersecurity profession through advocacy, expertise and workforce empowerment that accelerates cyber safety and security in an interconnected world. Our charitable foundation, the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, helps create more access to cyber careers and educates those most vulnerable. Learn more, get involved or become an ISC2 Candidate to build your cyber career at ISC2.org.
Nautilus International
Nautilus International is a UK-based trade union representing maritime professionals across sectors like the Merchant Navy, superyachts, offshore energy, and port services. With branches in the UK, Netherlands, and Switzerland, it supports both sea- and shore-based workers internationally. The union advocates for fair employment, safety, and workers’ rights through collective bargaining, legal support, and international policy engagement.
Nautilus played a key role during the Covid-19 crisis, demanding recognition of seafarers as key workers. It also runs Mariners’ Park, a retirement community offering care and independent living for retired seafarers.
Recent achievements include influencing the UK Employment Rights Bill – securing protections like a Seafarers’ Charter, closing loopholes exploited in the P&O Ferries scandal, and extending the UK minimum wage to more maritime workers. In 2025, Nautilus opened a new residential complex and HQ, Nautilus House, inaugurated by Princess Anne. The union recovered over £2.17 million in unpaid wages for superyacht crew in 2024 and played a key role in international maritime policy, including NATO advocacy for the Merchant Navy. It also won significant industrial disputes, notably at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, resulting in an above-inflation pay deal. Nautilus now holds Gold Investors in People status, with 79% of staff rating
The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
In 2024, the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) demonstrated what it truly means to lead — not only in clinical excellence but in the way it educates, includes, sustains and inspires. Representing more than 7,489 members across 130 countries, ESCRS continues to transform how professional societies serve their communities.
President Filomena Ribeiro captured this spirit in her 2024 annual message:
“We are putting a strong focus on expanding our educational impact and inclusivity. Our new digital platform, surgical curriculum and the Skill Transfer Lab ensure that every ophthalmologist — regardless of where they are — can access cutting-edge learning and mentorship.”
Whether it’s through hands-on education, open-access innovation, or climate action in surgery, ESCRS delivers meaningful, measurable impact for its members and the wider world.
ESCRS is not simply a professional body — it is a movement for change. In 2024, it delivered:
• Education for all;
• Innovation without barriers;
• Inclusivity in action;
• Sustainability with science;
• And legacy for the future.
“We aim to empower every ophthalmologist, everywhere, with the tools, confidence and community they need to thrive.” — Filomena Ribeiro, President, ESCRS
World Commerce & Contracting
World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) is the leading global association for commercial and contract management professionals, representing over 80,000 members in 180 countries. In 2024, WorldCC continued to drive excellence, innovation, and value across the industry. Key achievements included the establishment of the Commerce & Contract Management Institute—a joint research initiative with the NCMA—cementing WorldCC’s position as a global thought leader.
WorldCC refreshed its flagship CCM Certification to reflect today’s dynamic business landscape and launched Ask Tim, a pioneering GenAI-powered knowledge assistant offering real-time, trusted insights. The association hosted over 90 webinars, international summits, and four themed digital takeover weeks, drawing thousands of attendees and elevating conversations around AI, sustainability, and negotiation.
WorldCC also led the development of CMS4, the next generation of its Contract Management Standard®, with the goal of achieving ISO recognition. The association earned the Gold Award for International Association of the Year in 2024 and remains committed to empowering professionals, enhancing industry standards, and shaping the future of global commerce.
With deep member engagement, strategic innovation, and forward-thinking leadership, WorldCC exemplifies the spirit of this award—delivering impact not just to its members, but across the global commercial ecosystem.
World Federation of Advertisers
WFA’s purpose is better marketing. Marketing that connects with consumers and drives business outcomes but also respects people’s space and helps us build a better society.
We deliver on these goals through a unique network of more than 150 of the world’s largest companies and a network of 60 national advertiser associations.
WFA delivers on its goals through cross-industry projects, in-person meetings and reports. Our ambition is to encourage brands to deliver best practice and balance their growth objectives with people’s expectations.
At the heart of our unique approach is peer-to-peer learning. It can be hard to see the full picture while delivering on your day-to-day tasks. Meeting in person or remotely with colleagues from different categories in our WFA Forums, gives business leaders a unique opportunity to discuss their specific challenges.
Our dispersed team are experts and highly respected. We lead the debate on how marketing adapts to the technological tsunami that is transforming the way our industry works, we help our members build more sustainable and inclusive marketing and we make a difference for society by working with regulators at global, regional and local level to deliver real change in how ads are targeted.
