The consistency of its actions and the clarity of its objectives in Zona Franca's strategic plan made it possible to execute the entire planned roadmap and externally validate our corporate management through a set of certifications. However, Consorci's responsible actions went beyond this, presenting its business project nationally as a model of a public company with responsible actions and unique initiatives.
In this period, we have continued to establish alliances with associations and key agents in the productive system, sharing common goals of social and economic progress. This action strengthened our efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.
Corporate Social Responsibility is established as essential in the 21st century, marked by all kinds of challenges and opportunities. For this reason, the mission, vision, and values of CZFB align with the goals set from the beginning by the 2030 Agenda:
"An action plan for people, the planet, and prosperity," in areas such as the environment, social issues, and corporate and institutional governance.
The responsibility of working towards sustainable development is part of our commitment to society.
To be a leading industrial hub in the Mediterranean, acting as a driving force for attracting and promoting value-added companies, providing them with innovative resources and services.
To stimulate the economy of the Barcelona metropolitan area by managing the industrial area at the Zona Franca and Zona Franca Customs as the primary activity for generating economic and social value, raising international awareness.
The year 2024 marked the ninth anniversary of the United Nations' creation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. Our organization joined thousands of companies in the Global Compact community by raising the flag of the 17 SDGs at our institutional mast.
Understanding the current climate emergency, the CZFB has joined the "Citizen Commitment for a More Sustainable Barcelona 2024-2034," promoted by the City of Barcelona. It agrees to be part of the Barcelona + Sustainable Network and to act together to face the city's challenges.
The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona joined AEBALL to promote cooperation, innovation, and sustainability projects within its productive fabric, improving companies' competitiveness and efficiency.
The collaboration agreement specifies joint action lines in areas of mutual interest, such as service development and the creation of a collaboration ecosystem between the companies in both organizations.
The spirit of SDG 17 ("Partnerships for the Goals") is further demonstrated by the CZFB's renewed commitment to the European Diversity Charter, promoted by the European Union in collaboration with the Fundación Diversidad (CZFB was the first of the seven free zones to join this movement, signed by over 500 companies, institutions and bodies in Spain and part of the Consorci's strategic planning regarding ESG criteria).
In a global context where governance actions for sustainability are essential for 21st century companies and institutions, the CZFB is aligned with the provisions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop ment provisions. This has been the case throughout 2024.
It is a core part of our commitment to society, as highlighted by the Special Government Delegate in the Zona Franca de Barcelona, Pere Navarro, during the presentation of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and SDG Department: "The world does not have a plan B, and we must now actively work for the sustainability of the planet and of companies and the development of people's rights."
2024 has once again demonstrated the CZFB's commitment to aspects such as the protocol for using obsolete assets and improving transparency and suitable governance measures. Corporate Social Responsibility in all its scope, with a Code of Good Practices and Conduct, with goals such as combating money laundering and financing terrorism. Our information on the Ethical Channel is available on the corporate website.
For the third consecutive year, Spain's leading certification entity has recognized the Consorci de la ZF for its management of corporate responsibility and sustainability with an exceptional dual certification: the IQNet SR10:2015 Social Responsibility Management System and the Commitment to the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda.
Once again, the CZFB has confirmed its status as one of the only six Spanish companies to have received this double recognition. This distinction values the development driven by the institution in areas such as sustainable mobility, renewable energy, circular economy, and support for equality and talent acquisition.
The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona gathered together representatives in Madrid from such as BCombinator, Enzo Ventures, Enisa, BStartup, Novartis, Glovo, Cabify, Cubic Fort, Airtrace, eYard, Red Colmena, the National Association of Soft Drink Manufacturers, and the Spanish Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs. Some startups from the CZFB's Logistics 4.0 Incubator, Spain's first high-tech incubator in Logistics 4.0, also participated.
Pere Navarro emphasized the push for innovation through two startup incubation projects, the 3D Incubator and the Logistics 4.0 Incubator, and highlighted the path towards Industry 4.0 by creating DFactory Barcelona.
“We are already planning," he noted, "the expansion of DFactory Barcelona with a second phase that will allow us to reach nearly 60,000 m², positioning us as the European country with the largest Industry 4.0 project and one of the great global references.”
Blanca Sorigué closed the session by reminding attendees that “the CZFB is fully aligned with sustainability and innovation, which are essential to progress. We are an active agent with more than 100 years of history, a driving force in the Barcelona metropolitan area, and we are constantly moving to generate opportunities for the development of the industry of the future.”. She also added the importance of “not only being agents of transformation but also catalysts for the innovation and growth of companies.”.
