The largest port city in Europe, the City of Rotterdam, has a culture of embracing novel ideas from around the world. As the city continues to reinvent itself with a focus on relevance and resilience, it has become a hub for innovation in the drive towards environmental sustainability and economic growth. Through the promotion of a circular economy and energy transition, Mayor Aboutaleb has set an ambitious goal to significantly reduce waste and energy consumption in Rotterdam by 2022. How can innovations like blockchain technology and urban design be used to accelerate a sustainable city? What can global cities learn from Rotterdam’s plan as the world pursues shared goals of economic prosperity and clean energy?