Dunkirk will host the 2026 World Conference Cities & Ports
The World Conference Cities & Ports, organized by AIVP, with the support of Dunkirk-Port and the Urban Community of Dunkirk, will take place in Dunkirk from November 3 to 6, 2026. This event will bring together global stakeholders to discuss the major challenges facing port cities today and tomorrow.
What is AIVP ?
The International Association of Cities and Ports (AIVP) is a global network bringing together over 200 members across fifty countries. For more than 30 years, AIVP has worked to improve dialogue and collaboration between port cities and their ports, placing human, environmental, and economic issues at the heart of development strategies. The association supports its members through various actions aimed at fostering sustainable and balanced development across city-port territories.
Previous editions
Each edition of the World Conferences Cities & Port is held in a different port city. Past conferences have taken place in major international port metropolises such as Lisbon, New York, Tangier, Rotterdam ans Quebec City. The 19th AIVP Conference was held in Lisbon (Portugal) from November 27 to 29, 2024, centered on the theme “Open Piers“. It adressed the evolving relationship between port cities and their environments, including the reopening of quays, the energy transition, the blue economy, the impact of climate change, and strengthening the bond between ports and citizens.
Why Dunkirk ?
A port city in full transformation
Dunkirk is now asserting itself as a flagship territory for the transformations of European port cities. With ist major industrial port, the city is committed to ambitious projects in energy transition, industrial decarbonization, renewable energy development, and economic conversion. This dynamic makes Dunkirk a particularly relevant location to host the World Conference Cities & Port.
An opportunity for the region
Hosting this international event represents a significant lever for Dunkirk :
- Showcasing its expertise and projects on a global scale.
- Strengthening its attractiveness and international reach.
- Fostering exchanges between local stakeholders and international experts.
The 2026 World Conference Cities & Ports will position Dunkirk as a key player in reflections on the future of port cities, while contributing to local momentum.
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