Maíta Fernández-Armesto Sánchez

Urban growth presents complex challenges in ensuring that all residents can live in safe, inclusive, and thriving communities. In this session, Orna Rosenfeld will share insights from her international work on housing and urban development, exploring the social, economic, and policy dimensions that shape city life. With a broad perspective on urban growth, she will highlight the opportunities and challenges in creating equitable, resilient, and vibrant cities for everyone.

Washington Fajardo will discuss how Latin American cities — in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) — are pioneering solutions to the housing crisis through innovation, technology, and cross-sector partnerships. The session highlights scalable, inclusive, and sustainable housing models, showing how regulatory innovation and public-private collaboration drive resilience, social inclusion, and equitable, human-centered urban transformation.

How can the building sector drive climate action and align with city sustainability goals? By embracing energy efficiency and zero-emission designs, the built environment becomes a powerful tool for mitigating climate change. This session explores how green buildings are not just structures but vital contributors to healthier, more sustainable urban futures.