Chris Luebkeman, a renowned strategic advisor and Head of Strategic Foresight Hub at ETH Zürich, joins is on The Century of Cities. Chris takes us on a journey from ancient Roman infrastructure to emerging urban futures, to reveal how the spaces we shape, in turn, shape us. With a distinctive blend of warmth, depth, and curiosity, he explores the urgency of embracing complexity, cultivating intergenerational empathy, and abandoning linear thinking in a world defined by layered, compounding challenges.

Drawing from his vast experience, Chris introduces the mindset of a possibilist and shares vivid metaphors, including cemeteries and botanical gardens, to reframe how we think about time, legacy, and responsibility. His reflections offer a compelling lens on how to live, plan, and build with humility and long-term perspective.

In this episode of The Century of the Cities, we welcome Sarah Sabry, Global Lead - Urban, at Save the Children International. Sarah explores how cities impact the lives of children and how reimagining urban spaces through their eyes can create better cities for everyone. Sarah highlights the rise in urban inequality, the challenges of slum growth, the effects of climate change, and the digital divide shaping children's experiences today. She shares inspiring global examples of child-friendly city initiatives and stresses the urgent need for a paradigm shift toward cities that prioritize children, caregivers, and sustainability.

George Johnston, Founder and CEO of Tech City Ventures, joins us on The Century of Cities to unpack how exponential technologies are rewriting the urban playbook. From the early days of personal computing to the fast-approaching era of AI, quantum, and sovereign data ecosystems, George says we’re shifting from an age of information to an age of wisdom.

He introduces the concept of “exponential cities”, places powered not just by tech buzzwords but by integrated systems like autonomous vehicles, genomics, and resilient digital infrastructure that drive inclusive and sustainable growth. George also spotlights Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona as cities already stepping into this future, and makes a compelling case for why talent, culture, and brand will matter more than infrastructure in determining who leads the way.

The Century of Cities welcomes Hila Oren, CEO of the Tel Aviv Foundation and founder of Tel Aviv Global. A driving force behind Tel Aviv’s innovation journey, Hila has redefined what it means to build a social city. From its “nonstop city” branding in the 1980s to a future shaped by climate pressures, cutting-edge tech, and deep communal resilience, Hila shares how Tel Aviv’s DNA, rooted in bold founders, hospitality, and relentless energy, continues to shape everything from urban design to social infrastructure. Hila also explores how public spaces can become "pockets of well-being," why cities must confront loneliness as a public health challenge, and how everything from promenades to elevators can be reimagined as places of welcoming human connection.

In this episode of The Century of Cities, we welcome Joe Berridge, Partner at Urban Strategies and one of the world’s most sought-after city-makers. Joe reveals the secret sauce behind some of the world’s most dynamic urban transformations. From Toronto to Manchester, Joe shares candid insights from decades spent shaping global cities' skylines, transit systems, and vibrant downtowns. He explores mega-projects, the myth of perfect planning, and why the best cities aren’t built by following a script but by embracing ambition, messiness, and human energy. 

Michele Acuto, Pro-Vice Chancellor & Vice President and Professor of Urban Resilience at the University of Bristol, joins The Century of Cities to challenge us to rethink cities as more than just clusters of buildings and infrastructure. He reveals how urban centers wield diplomatic power, drive innovation, and tackle challenges from climate change to public health. From the rise of city diplomacy to unexpected partnerships between local governments and global institutions, Michele offers a fascinating look at why the future of international relations might just be urban. How do mayors, urban planners, and everyday citizens influence global agendas? Why should we pay more attention to the power of city networks? And what lessons can we learn from cities that have led the way in resilience and sustainability? 

The Century of Cities welcomes Tim Moonen, Co-Founder & Managing Director of The Business of Cities. Tim traces the profound shifts in urban life, from the 3,000 cities of 1980 to the 10,000 cities shaping today’s global economy. Cities have become highly intentional about positioning in a competitive world, adapting to economic globalization, sustainability pressures, and technological advances. Urban governance has moved from being overlooked to becoming a focal point of policy and investment, while businesses increasingly recognize cities as key partners in their success. Tim examines the factors that will define the next urbanization era, including climate adaptation, technological integration, and the evolving role of cities in national and global systems.

In this episode of The Century of Cities, we welcome Congressman Earl Blumenauer (Retired), a lawyer, author, and politician who served as the U.S. representative for Oregon's 3rd congressional district from 1996 to January 2025. Portland’s bold approach to urban planning, transit, and sustainability has made it a global model for livability. Blumenauer has been at the forefront of this transformation, advocating for policies prioritizing public transportation, cycling, and innovative land use. He takes us from the 1980s to today, exploring how Portland resisted car-centric development, championed streetcars and cycling, and pioneered the nation’s first urban growth boundary. Looking ahead to 2080, Earl shares his vision for climate-resilient, people-focused cities and the role of federal leadership in shaping a more sustainable urban future.

Please note: Our podcast interview was recorded prior to Representative Blumenauer's retirement. 

Uwe S. Brandes, professor of the practice, faculty director of the Urban & Regional Planning Program and faculty director of the Georgetown Global Cities Initiative, joins The Century of Cities to explore the forces shaping urbanization. From the rise of megacities to the impact of climate change, shifting economies, and the evolving role of universities in urban research, Uwe offers a rare long-view perspective on how cities adapt and thrive. Uwe shares insights into Washington, D.C.’s transformation, the global networks influencing urban development, and how cities rethink their built environment for a more resilient future. 

The Century of Cities welcomes Enid Slack, Director of the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance (IMFG) at the University of Toronto School of Cities to unpack Canadian cities' past, present, and future. From Toronto’s once-hailed two-tier system to today’s mounting financial pressures, she explores the structural challenges cities face, including aging infrastructure, climate change, housing shortages, and the fiscal fallout of remote work. With municipalities bearing the brunt while higher levels of government hold the purse strings, what is the path forward? Enid offers bold insights on new revenue models, rethinking regional governance, and lessons Canada can learn from cities worldwide.