Mr. Wim Dries
Mayor of the city of Genk and President of the Flemish Association of Local Councils, Belgium
Wim Dries was born on March 24, 1972, and grew up in the district of Bret-Gelieren. He is still living in the same area, together with his spouse Nele and their two children Viktor en Nore. Since childhood, Wim has been actively engaged in voluntary work. He had a seat in the Students’ Council, was for a long time chairman of Vlaggendansgroep Symbolica and within the organization of the Genker Heidefeesten. Hij committed himself to assisting many youngsters and developed a sound interest in everything related to the internet, networks and technology.
After finishing his secondary education in the Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege, Wim obtained a Bachelor Degree in Elektronica Finaliteit (Electronics) at Diepenbeek University and followed several additional courses. He worked for a long time as manager at DAF-Company, and for some time acted as a teacher as well. In 1995, Wim Dries was elected member of the Genk City Council, and since 2002 he has been a fulltime active member of the Board of Aldermen. In December 2009, Wim was elected as the 10th Mayor of Genk. He also occupies the position of chairman of Infrax Company and he is the chairman of the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG), which gathers all 308 local governments of the northern part (Flanders) in Belgium. As a local governments association, the VVSG assists their members in training and advice, advocates for their interests with the other tiers of government and builds the municipal movement in Flanders. Since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the VVSG has been active in localizing the Agenda 2030 with its members.
After finishing his secondary education in the Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege, Wim obtained a Bachelor Degree in Elektronica Finaliteit (Electronics) at Diepenbeek University and followed several additional courses. He worked for a long time as manager at DAF-Company, and for some time acted as a teacher as well. In 1995, Wim Dries was elected member of the Genk City Council, and since 2002 he has been a fulltime active member of the Board of Aldermen. In December 2009, Wim was elected as the 10th Mayor of Genk. He also occupies the position of chairman of Infrax Company and he is the chairman of the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG), which gathers all 308 local governments of the northern part (Flanders) in Belgium. As a local governments association, the VVSG assists their members in training and advice, advocates for their interests with the other tiers of government and builds the municipal movement in Flanders. Since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the VVSG has been active in localizing the Agenda 2030 with its members.