In this episode of The Century of Cities, we speak with Jorn Verbeeck, a global sustainability consultant with over 20 years of experience across the public and private sectors. Jorn’s journey, from his early days as a journalist to advising the city of Antwerp and tackling global sustainability challenges, offers a unique look at the evolution of urban spaces. Jorn explores how cities like Barcelona and Copenhagen have reshaped themselves, why distributed leadership is critical for long-term urban success, and how the “messy middle” of sustainability connects ambition to action. 

Susan Goeransson, a renowned municipal finance expert and former leader at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), joins us for the latest episode of The Century of Cities. Susan shares her remarkable 30-year journey of driving change in urban infrastructure across Central and Eastern Europe, transforming cities through innovative municipal finance and green investment programs. From the challenges of post-Soviet urbanization to the game-changing Green Cities initiative, Susan reflects on reform-driven mayors, actionable funding strategies and the critical role of cities in addressing climate change, fostering social impact, and improving municipal services. 

The Century of the Cities welcomes André Sobczak, the Secretary General of Eurocities, the leading network of over 200 European cities. André shares a compelling story of urban evolution, from the formation of Eurocities in the 1980s to the pivotal role cities now play in tackling climate change, social inclusion, and housing crises. Discover how European mayors are shaping the future through collaboration, resilience, and governance reform, ensuring urban areas remain vibrant and sustainable hubs of innovation. André also reflects on the leadership qualities necessary for urban transformation, the importance of connecting local and supranational governance, and his optimistic vision for cities in 2080. 

In this episode of The Century of Cities, we sit down with Hitesh Vaidya, an esteemed urban strategist and member of the Kerala Urban Policy Commission. Hitesh traces India’s remarkable journey from its rural roots in 1980 to a visionary 2080, where cities are projected to drive 80% of the GDP. He offers compelling insights into the rise of second-tier cities, the development of industrial corridors, and transformative smart urban policies. Plus, he introduces his innovative “I3 = E3” framework, a holistic approach blending innovation, inclusion, and environmental balance to shape the future of urbanization.

Bimal Patel is a renowned architect, urbanist, and former president of CEPT University who joins us for the latest episode of The Century of Cities. He takes us through India's economic and urban evolution, from the stagnation of the 1980s to the liberalization of the 1990s, when cities started to be recognized as essential engines of economic growth. Bimal discusses India's unique suburban morphology of its cities and the urgent need for governance reforms that empower cities to manage their development. Looking ahead to 2080, he envisions cities as engineered ecosystems akin to spacecraft, self-sustaining, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of dense urban populations. Bimal shares how India can reimagine its urban future while balancing economic growth, sustainable development, and livability for all.

The Century of Cities welcomes Sheela Patel, director of the Society for Promotion of Area Resource Centres (SPARC), who shares decades of experience working with urban low-income communities in India. From the evolution of women's collectives to the systemic barriers of urbanization, Sheela offers an intimate look at how grassroots efforts have reshaped housing and infrastructure policy. Her career spans nearly 50 years, offering rich insights into how empowering women and inclusive strategies have driven sustainable change in urban landscapes. 

In this episode of The Century of Cities, we sit down with Barjor Mehta, President of CEPT University and former Lead Urban Specialist at the World Bank, to explore India’s journey through urbanization. Barjor reflects on the missteps of the 1980s, the turning point of the 1990s, and the opportunities and challenges ahead as India becomes a higher-middle-income country by 2080. From the rise of new urban corridors to the governance gaps that hinder cities, Barjor shares a candid perspective on what it will take to empower local governments, build resilient systems, and embrace urbanization as a driver of prosperity. He also discusses the optimism of India’s next generation and how they’re shaping the future of cities with new skills and global ambitions.

Vidyadhar Phatak is a legendary figure in urban planning with a career spanning 57 years who joins us on the latest episode of The Century of Cities. As the former Dean of CEPT University and Chief Planner at the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Vidyadhar explores the challenges and opportunities of rapid urbanization, the shifting growth dynamics from colonial port cities to emerging IT hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad, and what it will take for cities like Mumbai to remain globally competitive. Looking ahead to 2080, Vidyadhar envisions a future shaped by economic growth, technology, and a fresh perspective on urban governance. 

The Century of Cities features Chan Heng Chee, Ambassador-at-Large for Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as she charts the remarkable transformation of this city-state. From its rapid urbanization in the 1980s to its emergence as a global hub of innovation and resilience, Chan Heng Chee reveals the strategies behind Singapore’s success, from pioneering public housing to harnessing technology and fostering public trust. Looking ahead to 2080, she offers a bold vision for navigating demographic shifts, integrating AI into urban management, and confronting climate challenges. Discover Singapore's lessons to cities worldwide and the innovative solutions that could redefine urban living in an era of rapid change.

The Century of the Cities welcomes Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer of City Developments Limited. Esther shares invaluable insights on how Southeast Asia has transformed over the decades through rapid urbanization, economic collaboration, and groundbreaking sustainability initiatives. She digs into Singapore’s leadership in climate resilience, urban planning, and the ASEAN region's efforts to tackle rising sea levels and carbon emissions. Esther highlights the significance of creating "cities in nature" and shares strategies addressing food security, housing, and sustainable growth. Esther also reveals how ASEAN member states are pioneering solutions for a thriving, sustainable future.