Cemex has announced its inclusion in Fortune’s 2024 Change the World list, marking the fourth time the company has received this recognition. The list, curated by Fortune’s reporters and editors from a pool of about 250 companies, highlights businesses that are creating positive social impact through their core strategies.
Cemex was recognized this year for its collaboration with the VeryNile initiative, which focuses on cleaning the Nile River and creating sustainable solutions for the collected waste. Supported by Egypt’s Ministry of the Environment, VeryNile develops eco-friendly methods to remove inorganic waste from the Nile. Recovered plastics are upcycled, while non-recyclable materials are used as alternative fuel at Cemex’s Assiut cement plant. This not only helps reduce pollution and improve water quality but also creates 150 alternative jobs for local fishermen and women impacted by the river’s contamination.
“We are honored once again by Fortune’s recognition of our sustainable business model that combines environmental preservation with social empowerment,” said Fernando A. González, CEO of Cemex. “The VeryNile project shows how businesses can collaborate with NGOs and communities to drive meaningful change.”
Cemex’s social impact strategy is centered on supporting local economies, fostering resilient communities, and empowering individuals through skills training and entrepreneurship initiatives. This approach is executed in close collaboration with community leaders and stakeholders around the world.
Fortune has previously recognized Cemex for its impactful efforts. In 2020, the company was acknowledged for constructing mobile hospitals with antibacterial concrete modules during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2017, the ‘Our Growing Platform’ initiative was praised for addressing housing and inequality issues in vulnerable communities. Cemex was also honored in 2015 for its ‘Patrimonio Hoy’ program, which offers low-income families access to building materials, microfinancing, and technical support to help them construct their homes.
The Fortune Change the World list recognizes companies that leverage their innovation and business success to address critical social challenges. This year’s list groups companies into four key areas: environmental impact, economic opportunity, public health, and human rights. Selection criteria include measurable social impact, business results, and innovation.
The 2024 list features 30 companies from North America, 12 from Europe, 8 from Asia and Australia, 1 from Africa, and 1 from South America.
The full Fortune 2024 Change the World list can be viewed at: https://fortune.com/ranking/change-the-world/.
