Dunkirk Strengthens Its Global Influence through World Economic Forum Initiatives

Press Release, January 17, 2024

Davos World Economic Forum (January 20-24, 2025)

Dunkirk‘s active collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) since 2023 highlights its growing international recognition in industrial transformation and sustainability. This partnership has led Dunkirk to be prominently featured at the upcoming WEF annual meeting in Davos.

A Leader in Decarbonization

In 2023, Dunkirk’s “DKarbonation” industrial hub joined WEF’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters, a global initiative to accelerate decarbonization across 31 industrial regions, making Dunkirk the sole French representative. With a goal to cut CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 and create 20,000 jobs by 2040, Dunkirk’s efforts focus on leveraging technology, digitalization, and collaboration to transform its industrial base.

Digitalization: A Catalyst for Change

Through its involvement in the Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative, Dunkirk has showcased the role of digital tools in advancing industrial sustainability. Efforts include projects like ArcelorMittal’s Digital Lab and the integration of shared monitoring systems to optimize energy use and carbon reduction. The global transition to net-zero emissions for heavy industries requires $13.5 trillion in investments, underlining the importance of Dunkirk’s initiatives.

Showcasing the Role of Ports in Sustainability

Dunkirk has contributed to an international report on the role of ports in sustainable transformation and biodiversity preservation. Featured topics include innovative shared infrastructure, such as the largest industrial water network in France, CO2 transportation pipelines for storage or reuse, and the creation of an “industrial heat highway” to redistribute waste heat among local industries and urban areas. This report will be presented at Davos 2025.

Global Recognition and Local Innovation

Dunkirk’s projects, supported by public-private partnerships and led by organizations like ÉcosystèmeD, demonstrate how industry can serve as a lever for economic, environmental, and social progress. By implementing circular economy principles and pioneering decarbonization strategies, Dunkirk aims to inspire global industrial clusters with its ambitious model of sustainability.

Toward Osaka 2025

Dunkirk’s vision for a sustainable future will culminate at the Osaka World Expo in 2025, where the city will share its success in turning environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and excellence.

For a comprehensive understanding of Dunkirk’s initiatives, including detailed projects and collaborations, explore the original article in French.