The World Cement Association (WCA) today celebrates its 10‑year anniversary, marking a decade defined by unprecedented global disruption, rapid technological change, and accelerating momentum toward sustainability across the cement and construction sectors.
Founded in 2016 as an independent international platform for cement producers and industry stakeholders, the WCA has evolved into a global network championing cooperation, innovation, and operational excellence. Over the past decade, the Association has played a central role in guiding the industry through one of the most turbulent periods in modern economic history.
A Decade of Global Upheaval
The WCA’s first ten years coincided with a series of profound global challenges: the COVID‑19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, energy market volatility, supply chain disruption, inflationary pressures, and the intensifying impacts of climate change. At the same time, rapid advances in digitalisation and artificial intelligence reshaped industrial production, trade flows, and policy frameworks worldwide.
These forces have placed heavy industries — including cement — under growing pressure to adapt, innovate, and decarbonise.
Shifting Markets and Accelerating Innovation
Throughout this period, the global cement industry has undergone significant structural transformation. Production and demand have increasingly shifted toward Asia and emerging economies, while sustainability has moved to the centre of corporate strategy. Low‑carbon technologies, alternative fuels, clinker reduction, digital manufacturing, and circular economy models have advanced at a pace not seen before.
WCA President Dr. Wei Rushan reflected on the milestone, noting that “The last ten years have tested every industry in ways few could have predicted. The global cement sector has had to adapt continuously to a rapidly changing world. Throughout this period, the WCA has served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across borders.”
Industry Under Pressure — and Poised for Change
WCA CEO Philippe Richart highlighted the extraordinary external pressures shaping the sector’s evolution.
“The industry has had to navigate extraordinary external pressures affecting economies and societies worldwide. Over the past decade, we have seen growing momentum behind decarbonisation, alternative fuels, clinker reduction, carbon capture technologies, and intelligent manufacturing. Looking ahead, the pace of change will only accelerate.”
Richart emphasised that the next decade will be defined by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, circular economy systems, and low‑carbon technologies, all of which are expected to fundamentally reshape cement production and construction materials.
“The WCA remains committed to supporting its members and the wider industry through this transformation,” he added.
A Renewed Commitment for the Decade Ahead
As it enters its second decade, the WCA reaffirmed its founding principles of openness, inclusiveness, sharing, and win‑win cooperation. The Association underscored its continued commitment to advancing sustainable development, fostering innovation, strengthening international collaboration, and supporting the global cement industry’s long‑term transition toward a lower‑carbon and more resilient future.
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Below is the full list of Industry Link events in 2026:
Sustainability & ESG International Summit 2026
10–11 June, São Paulo, Brazil
Premier regional platform for Net Zero construction, circular economy, climate resilience, and ESG leadership.
Industry 5.0 Global Conference & Exhibition 2026
10–11 June, São Paulo, Brazil
Hosted at the same venue and dates as the Sustainability Summit — two events for one price, one ticket, full access.
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – Europe
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
A leading EMEA gathering on cementitious materials, market trends, regulatory updates, and regional opportunities.
CarbonZero Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition 2026
Including Cementitious Europe – Congress
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
Global platform for Net Zero strategies, alternative fuels, raw materials, carbon capture, and emerging technologies.
Women in Cement and Construction International Congress 2026 – EMEA
30 October, Brussels, Belgium
A dedicated forum advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the cement and construction sectors.
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – MEA
8–9 December, Morocco
The premier MEA event for cementitious materials, innovation, and regional trade opportunities.
