Over three days, ideas, insights, and practical solutions were shared during the ninth edition of ChangeNOW, all focused on building a more sustainable future..
Under the iconic glass roof of the Grand Palais, visitors explored more than 1,000 solutions across key areas including biodiversity, oceans, energy, agriculture and food, health, circular economy, mobility, inclusion, and education.
Many of these areas connect directly to Orange’s activities. Orange Energies, for example, provides clean electricity to millions of people in Africa through solar kits. The Group also supports digital inclusion through a network of 65 Orange Digital Centers.
A confirmed path to net zero
Orange is strengthening its environmental commitments through its new strategic plan, Trust the Future. Built on trust, it reaffirms the Group’s ambition to reach net zero carbon by 2040.
We also play a key role in turning technological advances into practical solutions for our customers. It’s an approach grounded in scientific rigor, ethics, and responsibility, shaping both future technology choices and the design of new solutions
Reducing emissions across the value chain also depends on close collaboration with suppliers and partners. A new milestone has been reached with the signing of 10 progress plans with strategic suppliers.
High-flying discussion with Bertrand Piccard
Elizabeth Tchoungui also welcomed Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard and his team, who shared a positive vision of decarbonization. It was an opportunity to highlight Orange’s partnership with Climate Impulse, supporting the first nonstop, zero-emission flight around the world. .
With its advanced research, connectivity expertise, and AI capabilities, Orange will help define the most efficient flight routes for Climate Impulse. This vision of innovation that pushes boundaries while respecting the planet reflects the pioneering mindset of the Group’s researchers and experts. It’s a clear example of innovation that combines performance and responsibility
Yasser Shaker shared on-the-ground insights into the digital transition across Africa and the Middle East. In these regions, digital adoption is accelerating, driven by a young, connected population and a dynamic innovation ecosystem.
Through Orange Digital Centers, Orange supports entrepreneurs and learners of all backgrounds. These centers offer free training in key areas such as coding, web development, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship, while encouraging creativity and innovation. Partnerships with local and international stakeholders also provide tailored support for startups and project leaders.
Orange is contributing to this positive transformation through sustained investment, with more than €1 billion invested each year in connectivity infrastructure.
Also spotted at ChangeNOW
The ocean, and especially the wind, played a visible role throughout this year’s edition. From the moment visitors entered, installations moved gently with the breeze beneath stretched canopies. Wind power also took center stage with the example of cargo trimarans powered entirely by wind energy. It’s a timely reminder, as maritime freight currently accounts for around 3% of global carbon emissions, a figure expected to rise to 17% by 2050.
Rethinking urban spaces
Urban and rural planning was another key theme, with interactive tools designed to explore alternative scenarios for how space can be organized. Digital models with near-infinite possibilities became practical tools to rethink streets, neighborhoods, and cities together.
Save the date: Join us on 26, 27, and 28 April 2027 at the Grand Palais to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ChangeNOW.
