Femi Oke

Al Jazeera Anchor and broadcast journalist

Femi Oke is an Al Jazeera journalist, social media curator, speaker, moderator, media trainer, senior editor, television and radio correspondent.  She graduated from Birmingham University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Language. She joined the BBC as a radio reporter and producer. Before re-locating to the US, Femi worked for BBC television and radio, Sky Television and all the UK terrestrial television networks. 

Femi Oke joined CNN International in 1999. Based at the CNN Center in Atlanta she spent nine years anchoring and reporting.

Femi has assisted the United Nations World Meteorological Organization with training international broadcast meteorologists in Argentina and Mozambique.

She is currently based in Washington D.C. where she hosts the interactive current affairs programme "The Stream" for Al Jazeera English, and writes for the social media platform Upworthy.

Femi Oke

Al Jazeera Anchor and broadcast journalist

Femi Oke is an Al Jazeera journalist, social media curator, speaker, moderator, media trainer, senior editor, television and radio correspondent.  She graduated from Birmingham University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Language. She joined the BBC as a radio reporter and producer. Before re-locating to the US, Femi worked for BBC television and radio, Sky Television and all the UK terrestrial television networks. 

Femi Oke joined CNN International in 1999. Based at the CNN Center in Atlanta she spent nine years anchoring and reporting.

Femi has assisted the United Nations World Meteorological Organization with training international broadcast meteorologists in Argentina and Mozambique.

She is currently based in Washington D.C. where she hosts the interactive current affairs programme "The Stream" for Al Jazeera English, and writes for the social media platform Upworthy.

Fernando Haddad

Mayor of Sao Paulo

Fernando Haddad, born 25 January 1963, is a Brazilian academic and politician. He was the Minister of Education in the cabinet of Dilma Rousseff and is the current mayor of São Paulo.

Haddad holds a master's degree in economics and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of São Paulo, he has been a consultant for the Fundação Instituto de Pesquisas Econômicas–an economics research institute–based at the School of Economics, Business and Accounting of the University of São Paulo, chief of staff to the Finance and Economic Development Secretary of the municipality of São Paulo, and a special advisor to the Ministry of Planning, Budget and Management. He is also a professor in the politics department of the University of São Paulo.

Fernando Haddad

Mayor of Sao Paulo

Fernando Haddad, born 25 January 1963, is a Brazilian academic and politician. He was the Minister of Education in the cabinet of Dilma Rousseff and is the current mayor of São Paulo.

Haddad holds a master's degree in economics and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of São Paulo, he has been a consultant for the Fundação Instituto de Pesquisas Econômicas–an economics research institute–based at the School of Economics, Business and Accounting of the University of São Paulo, chief of staff to the Finance and Economic Development Secretary of the municipality of São Paulo, and a special advisor to the Ministry of Planning, Budget and Management. He is also a professor in the politics department of the University of São Paulo.

Firdaous Oussidhoum

Expert in Urban Strategy and Development, CIMES-UNESCO

After studies that begin in Grenoble (France) and finish in Barcelona (Spain), Firdaous Oussidhoum opened her Architecture and Urban Forms office in Tangier in 2001. In parallel, she obtained her ‘Mastère’ in Philosophy and continued studying a doctorate in Philosophy of Architecture in Lyon University. She is also a professor of ‘Philosophy of Architecture’, and she is called to give seminars in universities on urban development.

Passionate about the urban topic combined to the projection of a Mankind vision and its environment: Architecture for her is a transmission tool, an occasion of dialogue and communication to give a sense to the environmental space and inspire Man in his daily living.

Today, and after her experience in advising deciders, stakeholders –local, private and civil society- in Morocco and more generally in Africa, she is a lecturer at an international level, to share her reflexions and practice as associated to the firm “feell”, with the priority to take back Man to the centre of the built environment question, by the creation of inspiring concepts empowering Man as a key element of the resilience process. 

Firdaous Oussidhoum

Expert in Urban Strategy and Development, CIMES-UNESCO

After studies that begin in Grenoble (France) and finish in Barcelona (Spain), Firdaous Oussidhoum opened her Architecture and Urban Forms office in Tangier in 2001. In parallel, she obtained her ‘Mastère’ in Philosophy and continued studying a doctorate in Philosophy of Architecture in Lyon University. She is also a professor of ‘Philosophy of Architecture’, and she is called to give seminars in universities on urban development.

Passionate about the urban topic combined to the projection of a Mankind vision and its environment: Architecture for her is a transmission tool, an occasion of dialogue and communication to give a sense to the environmental space and inspire Man in his daily living.

Today, and after her experience in advising deciders, stakeholders –local, private and civil society- in Morocco and more generally in Africa, she is a lecturer at an international level, to share her reflexions and practice as associated to the firm “feell”, with the priority to take back Man to the centre of the built environment question, by the creation of inspiring concepts empowering Man as a key element of the resilience process. 

Francisco Javier León de la Riva

Alcalde de Valladolid

Francisco Javier León de la Riva es un médico y políticoespañol del Partido Popular. Es el alcalde de Valladolid desde el año 1995 hasta la actualidad, siendo elegido en 2011 por mayoría absoluta para una quinta legislatura con el mayor número de concejales de todas sus participaciones. Es también el alcalde que más años ha permanecido al frente del consistorio vallisoletano. Para los resultados de las elecciones municipales en Valladolid desde 1979, ver el artículo Ayuntamiento de Valladolid.

Nació en Valladolid, y estudió secundaria en el Colegio Nuestra Señora de Lourdes de Valladolid. Más tarde, se doctoró en Medicina en la Universidad de Valladolid, especialidad Obstetricia y Ginecología, siendo profesor titular de la misma, en la actualidad en situación de excedencia. Más tarde ocupó el puesto de jefe clínico del Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología del Hospital Clínico Universitario. Miembro de la Real Academia de Medicina y Cirugía de Valladolid. Ex director de la Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería. Miembro del Comité Ejecutivo Provincial del Partido Popular de Valladolid. Miembro del Comité Ejecutivo Regional del Partido Popular. Mantiene una relación estrecha con el Expresidente de Gobierno José María Aznar y su esposa Ana Botella, de quién fue ginecólogo. Está casado y tiene tres hijos.

Francisco Javier León de la Riva

Alcalde de Valladolid

Francisco Javier León de la Riva es un médico y políticoespañol del Partido Popular. Es el alcalde de Valladolid desde el año 1995 hasta la actualidad, siendo elegido en 2011 por mayoría absoluta para una quinta legislatura con el mayor número de concejales de todas sus participaciones. Es también el alcalde que más años ha permanecido al frente del consistorio vallisoletano. Para los resultados de las elecciones municipales en Valladolid desde 1979, ver el artículo Ayuntamiento de Valladolid.

Nació en Valladolid, y estudió secundaria en el Colegio Nuestra Señora de Lourdes de Valladolid. Más tarde, se doctoró en Medicina en la Universidad de Valladolid, especialidad Obstetricia y Ginecología, siendo profesor titular de la misma, en la actualidad en situación de excedencia. Más tarde ocupó el puesto de jefe clínico del Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología del Hospital Clínico Universitario. Miembro de la Real Academia de Medicina y Cirugía de Valladolid. Ex director de la Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería. Miembro del Comité Ejecutivo Provincial del Partido Popular de Valladolid. Miembro del Comité Ejecutivo Regional del Partido Popular. Mantiene una relación estrecha con el Expresidente de Gobierno José María Aznar y su esposa Ana Botella, de quién fue ginecólogo. Está casado y tiene tres hijos.

Francisco Olvera Ruiz

State Governor, Hidalgo, Mexico

Nacido en la ciudad de Pachuca el 15 de junio de 1956, José Francisco Olvera Ruiz, realiza sus estudios en diversas instituciones públicas. Sus estudios profesionales los realizó en la Universidad Autónoma de Hidalgo, donde se titula automáticamente por promedio, así mismo cuenta con Maestría en Administración Pública, por el Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey y la Universidad del Valle de México.

Su carrera en la administración pública estatal se inició al frente de la Dirección de Catastro, donde permanece por espacio de nueve años. Ha sido Diputado Local en dos ocasiones, la primera en la LIV Legislatura (1991 a 1993) y la segunda en la LVIII Legislatura (2002 a 2005). Fungió también como Director del Archivo General de Notarías en 1995 y como Coordinador General Jurídico del Gobierno del Estado en 1999-2001. De 2005 a 2008 fue designado Secretario de Gobierno. En 2009 fue electo como Presidente Municipal de Pachuca para el periodo 2009-2012, a instancias suyas fue creada la Asociación de Presidentes Municipales, organización afiliada a la Federación Nacional de Municipios (FENAM), en la que fue electo como Presidente Nacional de la Zona Centro en 2009, cargo que también desempeñó en el seno de la Asociación de Municipios de México A.C. (AMMAC), durante el propio 2009.

Postulado como candidato a Gobernador del Estado de Hidalgo por el Partido Revolucionario Institucional, resulta electo para el periodo 2011-2016, tomando posesión el 1° de Abril de 2011.

No debe soslayarse su gran participación en actividades partidistas, como Presidente del Comité Directivo Municipal de Pachuca y como Secretario del Comité Directivo Estatal en ambos casos del Partido Revolucionario Institucional.

En el ámbito profesional, Francisco Olvera Ruiz ha ejercido la abogacía en su despacho particular en el que también actuó como Corredor Público, tarea en la que fue habilitado por la Secretaría de Economía del Gobierno Federal

Francisco Olvera Ruiz

State Governor, Hidalgo, Mexico

Nacido en la ciudad de Pachuca el 15 de junio de 1956, José Francisco Olvera Ruiz, realiza sus estudios en diversas instituciones públicas. Sus estudios profesionales los realizó en la Universidad Autónoma de Hidalgo, donde se titula automáticamente por promedio, así mismo cuenta con Maestría en Administración Pública, por el Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey y la Universidad del Valle de México.

Su carrera en la administración pública estatal se inició al frente de la Dirección de Catastro, donde permanece por espacio de nueve años. Ha sido Diputado Local en dos ocasiones, la primera en la LIV Legislatura (1991 a 1993) y la segunda en la LVIII Legislatura (2002 a 2005). Fungió también como Director del Archivo General de Notarías en 1995 y como Coordinador General Jurídico del Gobierno del Estado en 1999-2001. De 2005 a 2008 fue designado Secretario de Gobierno. En 2009 fue electo como Presidente Municipal de Pachuca para el periodo 2009-2012, a instancias suyas fue creada la Asociación de Presidentes Municipales, organización afiliada a la Federación Nacional de Municipios (FENAM), en la que fue electo como Presidente Nacional de la Zona Centro en 2009, cargo que también desempeñó en el seno de la Asociación de Municipios de México A.C. (AMMAC), durante el propio 2009.

Postulado como candidato a Gobernador del Estado de Hidalgo por el Partido Revolucionario Institucional, resulta electo para el periodo 2011-2016, tomando posesión el 1° de Abril de 2011.

No debe soslayarse su gran participación en actividades partidistas, como Presidente del Comité Directivo Municipal de Pachuca y como Secretario del Comité Directivo Estatal en ambos casos del Partido Revolucionario Institucional.

En el ámbito profesional, Francisco Olvera Ruiz ha ejercido la abogacía en su despacho particular en el que también actuó como Corredor Público, tarea en la que fue habilitado por la Secretaría de Economía del Gobierno Federal

François Tirot

Responsable Division Collectivités locales et Développement urbain, Agence Française du Développement (AFD) 

Entré à l’AFD en 1989. Responsable de la division Collectivités locales et Développement urbain à l’AFD depuis novembre 2011, après avoir été en poste en agence en charge du financement du secteur privé (Gabon, de 1989 à 1933), du dossier de l’ajustement structurel et de l’agro-industrie (Burkina Faso, de 1993 à 1996), de l’énergie, de l’éducation, de la santé et de la formation professionnelle (Maroc, de 2005 à 2008) ; à la direction des Risques du siège de l’AFD en tant qu’analyste financier (1996-2001) ; et en assistance technique (directeur général délégué de la SOFIDER à La Réunion de 2001 à 2005 et directeur général adjoint de la Banque SOCREDO en Polynésie française de 2008 à 2011).

François Tirot

Responsable Division Collectivités locales et Développement urbain, Agence Française du Développement (AFD) 

Entré à l’AFD en 1989. Responsable de la division Collectivités locales et Développement urbain à l’AFD depuis novembre 2011, après avoir été en poste en agence en charge du financement du secteur privé (Gabon, de 1989 à 1933), du dossier de l’ajustement structurel et de l’agro-industrie (Burkina Faso, de 1993 à 1996), de l’énergie, de l’éducation, de la santé et de la formation professionnelle (Maroc, de 2005 à 2008) ; à la direction des Risques du siège de l’AFD en tant qu’analyste financier (1996-2001) ; et en assistance technique (directeur général délégué de la SOFIDER à La Réunion de 2001 à 2005 et directeur général adjoint de la Banque SOCREDO en Polynésie française de 2008 à 2011).

Frédéric Vallier

Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) since 1 February 2010

He has over twenty years of experience working with local and regional authorities, including within the city and Metropolitan Authority of Nantes (France) where, from 2004 to 2010, he held the position of Deputy-head of the Mayor’s office, advisor for international and European affairs, and Head of the European Service. As an expert in European affairs at the local and regional levels, he has notably campaigned for the recognition of the role of local and regional government in the global agreement on climate change.

From 2003 to 2008, he was successively in charge of cross-border cooperation in a Department of Lorraine, Adviser in the field of "development and international relations", after which he was appointed Deputy-head of the cabinet of the mayor of Nantes, Jean-Marc Ayrault.

From 1988 to 1993, he provided training to local and regional elected representatives and worked as a French parliamentary attaché. In 1995, he was elected Deputy-Mayor of Fresnes, a municipality in the south of Paris. During his mandate, from 1995 to 2001, he was in charge of Citizenship and spoke-person for the municipality; he notably established and chaired the Twinning Committee.

Frederic Vallier is fluent in French and English, speaks Italian and has a basic knowledge of German. He holds an Executive Master’s Degree in public management from Science Po Paris. In 2012, he was elected member of the board of the European Movement International.

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is the oldest and broadest association of local and regional authorities in Europe. Its members are 60 national associations of local and regional authorities in 40 countries.

Frédéric Vallier

Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) since 1 February 2010

He has over twenty years of experience working with local and regional authorities, including within the city and Metropolitan Authority of Nantes (France) where, from 2004 to 2010, he held the position of Deputy-head of the Mayor’s office, advisor for international and European affairs, and Head of the European Service. As an expert in European affairs at the local and regional levels, he has notably campaigned for the recognition of the role of local and regional government in the global agreement on climate change.

From 2003 to 2008, he was successively in charge of cross-border cooperation in a Department of Lorraine, Adviser in the field of "development and international relations", after which he was appointed Deputy-head of the cabinet of the mayor of Nantes, Jean-Marc Ayrault.

From 1988 to 1993, he provided training to local and regional elected representatives and worked as a French parliamentary attaché. In 1995, he was elected Deputy-Mayor of Fresnes, a municipality in the south of Paris. During his mandate, from 1995 to 2001, he was in charge of Citizenship and spoke-person for the municipality; he notably established and chaired the Twinning Committee.

Frederic Vallier is fluent in French and English, speaks Italian and has a basic knowledge of German. He holds an Executive Master’s Degree in public management from Science Po Paris. In 2012, he was elected member of the board of the European Movement International.

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is the oldest and broadest association of local and regional authorities in Europe. Its members are 60 national associations of local and regional authorities in 40 countries.

Ghassan Walid Shakaa

Mayor of Nablus, Palestinian Authority, President of Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA)

Ghassan Walid Shakaa

Mayor of Nablus, Palestinian Authority, President of Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA)

Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo

Deputy Director-General for Field Operations and Partnerships International Labour Organization (ILO)

Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo

Deputy Director-General for Field Operations and Partnerships International Labour Organization (ILO)

Gino Van Begin

ICLEI's Secretary General

Having served as ICLEI Regional Director for Europe since 2002 and as Deputy Secretary General since 2007, he brings to his position a wealth of experience in coordinating and leading international institutions and organizations across different aspects of sustainable urban development. 

Gino has consistently and comprehensively worked over the last 12 years towards ensuring ICLEI’s quality as a responsible, professional, non for profit, local government organization in Europe and worldwide.

He has been ICLEI’s Chief Negotiator on local climate actions and was instrumental in organizing various major events, such as the European Sustainable Cities and Towns Conferences which have grown to become the major sustainability rendezvous for local governments in Europe.

Gino was also a member of the EU Expert Group to the European Commission on the Urban Environment from 2003-2006, and is a member of the European Commission’s Jury on the European Green Capital. 

Gino’s vision is to extend this excellent leadership to ICLEI  on a global level.Before joining ICLEI in 2000, Gino worked as advisor and as Team Leader at the EU-funded Environmental Centres for Administration and Technology in Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg, Russia for seven years. 

From 1987 to 1993, he was a legal advisor at the European Commission’s DG Environment, General Secretariat and DG External relations. He also worked at the Cabinet of the Vice-President of the Government of Flanders and Minister of Economy, Small Business and Energy.

Trained as a lawyer from the University of Brussels, Gino speaks Dutch, French, English, German and Russian.

Gino Van Begin

ICLEI's Secretary General

Having served as ICLEI Regional Director for Europe since 2002 and as Deputy Secretary General since 2007, he brings to his position a wealth of experience in coordinating and leading international institutions and organizations across different aspects of sustainable urban development. 

Gino has consistently and comprehensively worked over the last 12 years towards ensuring ICLEI’s quality as a responsible, professional, non for profit, local government organization in Europe and worldwide.

He has been ICLEI’s Chief Negotiator on local climate actions and was instrumental in organizing various major events, such as the European Sustainable Cities and Towns Conferences which have grown to become the major sustainability rendezvous for local governments in Europe.

Gino was also a member of the EU Expert Group to the European Commission on the Urban Environment from 2003-2006, and is a member of the European Commission’s Jury on the European Green Capital. 

Gino’s vision is to extend this excellent leadership to ICLEI  on a global level.Before joining ICLEI in 2000, Gino worked as advisor and as Team Leader at the EU-funded Environmental Centres for Administration and Technology in Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg, Russia for seven years. 

From 1987 to 1993, he was a legal advisor at the European Commission’s DG Environment, General Secretariat and DG External relations. He also worked at the Cabinet of the Vice-President of the Government of Flanders and Minister of Economy, Small Business and Energy.

Trained as a lawyer from the University of Brussels, Gino speaks Dutch, French, English, German and Russian.

Giovanni Allegretti

Architect, planner and senior researcher at the Center of Social Studies, an excellency structure linked to the Coimbra 

From 2001 to 2006, he has been assistant professor in Town Management at the University of Florence, where he got his Ph.D in Town and Territorial Planning. He studied in Brazil, Denmark and Japan with scholarships of the Ministry of Foreign affairs. Since 1997 his main research topics have been Participatory Budgets and techniques for citizens’ participation to urban planning, topics on which he published several articles, essays and books. He has been scientific director of two EU projects in the field of participation. He is co-director of the Ph.D. course “Democracy in the XXI century” and coordinator of the PEOPLES’ Observatory on Participation, Innovation and Local Powers. He worked for the World Bank as a resource person in training (in South Africa and Senegal) and as an evaluator (Congo RDC), and he is consultant of the Swedish Associations of Municipality and Regions (2007-2012) to support the first experiments of participatory budget in that country. He has been consultant of the world association of Cities (UCLG) for the Inclusive Cities Observatory, and – at present – for a research on Citizens-based Monitoring of Public Policies.

Giovanni Allegretti

Architect, planner and senior researcher at the Center of Social Studies, an excellency structure linked to the Coimbra 

From 2001 to 2006, he has been assistant professor in Town Management at the University of Florence, where he got his Ph.D in Town and Territorial Planning. He studied in Brazil, Denmark and Japan with scholarships of the Ministry of Foreign affairs. Since 1997 his main research topics have been Participatory Budgets and techniques for citizens’ participation to urban planning, topics on which he published several articles, essays and books. He has been scientific director of two EU projects in the field of participation. He is co-director of the Ph.D. course “Democracy in the XXI century” and coordinator of the PEOPLES’ Observatory on Participation, Innovation and Local Powers. He worked for the World Bank as a resource person in training (in South Africa and Senegal) and as an evaluator (Congo RDC), and he is consultant of the Swedish Associations of Municipality and Regions (2007-2012) to support the first experiments of participatory budget in that country. He has been consultant of the world association of Cities (UCLG) for the Inclusive Cities Observatory, and – at present – for a research on Citizens-based Monitoring of Public Policies.

Greg Moore

Chair, Metro Vancouver Board of Directors. Mayor, City of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

Greg Moore is the Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors and the Mayor of the City of Port Coquitlam in British Columbia, Canada. Prior to his 2011 election as Chair of the Board, Mr. Moore was Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Zero Waste Committee and oversaw the development of the region’s new Solid Waste Management Plan. Before becoming Mayor, Mr. Moore  worked for the City of Port Coquitlam for 10 years as a Youth Worker and City Planner. In the past 5 years, he has founded two non-profit organizations:  Homes For Good - Ending Homelessness Society (www.homesforgood.ca) and I Am Someone - Ending Bullying Society (www.iamsomeone.ca).

Metro Vancouver is the regional governing body of a federation of 24 local authorities that includes 22 municipalities, one electoral area and a Treaty First Nation, and provides political leadership and regional services – including solid waste, sewerage, drinking water, growth management, housing, and parks – to over 2.3 million residents on Canada’s southwest coast. 

Greg Moore

Chair, Metro Vancouver Board of Directors. Mayor, City of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

Greg Moore is the Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors and the Mayor of the City of Port Coquitlam in British Columbia, Canada. Prior to his 2011 election as Chair of the Board, Mr. Moore was Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Zero Waste Committee and oversaw the development of the region’s new Solid Waste Management Plan. Before becoming Mayor, Mr. Moore  worked for the City of Port Coquitlam for 10 years as a Youth Worker and City Planner. In the past 5 years, he has founded two non-profit organizations:  Homes For Good - Ending Homelessness Society (www.homesforgood.ca) and I Am Someone - Ending Bullying Society (www.iamsomeone.ca).

Metro Vancouver is the regional governing body of a federation of 24 local authorities that includes 22 municipalities, one electoral area and a Treaty First Nation, and provides political leadership and regional services – including solid waste, sewerage, drinking water, growth management, housing, and parks – to over 2.3 million residents on Canada’s southwest coast. 

Habib Ben Yahia

Secretary general of Arab Maghreb Union –AMU

Graduated of International Relations from Columbia University, Habib Ben Yahia has been Tunisian Ambassador in Tokyo, Washington and Abou Dhabi and also Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2004.

H.E Mr Habib BEN YAHIA is Secretary general of Arab Maghreb Union since 2006.

Habib Ben Yahia

Secretary general of Arab Maghreb Union –AMU

Graduated of International Relations from Columbia University, Habib Ben Yahia has been Tunisian Ambassador in Tokyo, Washington and Abou Dhabi and also Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2004.

H.E Mr Habib BEN YAHIA is Secretary general of Arab Maghreb Union since 2006.

Halima Tijani

Mayor of Raoued, Tunisia

Halima TIJANI, née le 02 février 1965 à Tunis est avocate à la cour de cassation et femme politique tunisienne.

Elle est présidente de la municipalité de Raoued à la ville de l’Ariana depuis le 15 Avril 2011.

Titulaire d’une maîtrise en droit de la faculté des sciences juridiques de Tunis, et après une première expérience comme stagiaire avocat au sein d’un cabinet de renommée nationale et internationale, Maître Halima TIJANI  s’est inscrite au tableau de l’ordre national des Avocats Tunisiens depuis le 14 Juillet 1993.

 Le 07 Octobre 1996, elle fonde son propre cabinet d’avocat au gouvernorat de l’Ariana et se lance dans les affaires de questions pénales, criminelles et civiles afin de se spécialiser dans les affaires affiliées aux secteurs immobilier et foncier.

Son parcours professionnel a été couronné par sa nomination comme avocate à la cour de cassation le 10 février 2005.

Après la révolution de 2011 et le renversement du régime Ben Ali, elle a été élue comme présidente de la municipalité de Raoued et lance, par ailleurs, l’association nationale des travaux municipaux.

Halima Tijani

Mayor of Raoued, Tunisia

Halima TIJANI, née le 02 février 1965 à Tunis est avocate à la cour de cassation et femme politique tunisienne.

Elle est présidente de la municipalité de Raoued à la ville de l’Ariana depuis le 15 Avril 2011.

Titulaire d’une maîtrise en droit de la faculté des sciences juridiques de Tunis, et après une première expérience comme stagiaire avocat au sein d’un cabinet de renommée nationale et internationale, Maître Halima TIJANI  s’est inscrite au tableau de l’ordre national des Avocats Tunisiens depuis le 14 Juillet 1993.

 Le 07 Octobre 1996, elle fonde son propre cabinet d’avocat au gouvernorat de l’Ariana et se lance dans les affaires de questions pénales, criminelles et civiles afin de se spécialiser dans les affaires affiliées aux secteurs immobilier et foncier.

Son parcours professionnel a été couronné par sa nomination comme avocate à la cour de cassation le 10 février 2005.

Après la révolution de 2011 et le renversement du régime Ben Ali, elle a été élue comme présidente de la municipalité de Raoued et lance, par ailleurs, l’association nationale des travaux municipaux.

Hannah Ryder

Secretary of State of the Busan GP, DFID

Hannah Ryder leads a team to support the UK’s Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening, to co-chair the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, alongside Ministers from Nigeria and Indonesia. The Global Partnership aims to help nations, businesses and organisations work better together to end poverty.  It helps ensure funding, knowledge and policy deliver as much poverty reduction as possible. Hannah is an economist by training, an award winning blogger, and brings to the Partnership prior experience as a UK Climate Change Negotiator and co-authorship of the seminal Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change.

Hannah Ryder

Secretary of State of the Busan GP, DFID

Hannah Ryder leads a team to support the UK’s Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening, to co-chair the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, alongside Ministers from Nigeria and Indonesia. The Global Partnership aims to help nations, businesses and organisations work better together to end poverty.  It helps ensure funding, knowledge and policy deliver as much poverty reduction as possible. Hannah is an economist by training, an award winning blogger, and brings to the Partnership prior experience as a UK Climate Change Negotiator and co-authorship of the seminal Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change.

Hassan Ali Joho

Gouverneur de Mombasa, Kenya

His a Kenyan politician. He was elected to represent the Kisauni Constituency in the National Assembly of Kenya since the Kenyan parliamentary election, 2007. During 2013 election he was a candidate for governor of Mombasa County which he won. He is the first governor of Mombasa County.

Joho is a degree holder in Business Management and Human Resource Management and is presently enrolled for a Masters in Business Administration. Apart from other fellowship programmes, Joho has also vast expertise in Information Technology. Joho is founder of Hassan Joho Foundation. He is married to Madina Hassan and is blessed with 3 children Shaheed, Rahma Ummu Kulthum.

Hassan Ali Joho

Gouverneur de Mombasa, Kenya

His a Kenyan politician. He was elected to represent the Kisauni Constituency in the National Assembly of Kenya since the Kenyan parliamentary election, 2007. During 2013 election he was a candidate for governor of Mombasa County which he won. He is the first governor of Mombasa County.

Joho is a degree holder in Business Management and Human Resource Management and is presently enrolled for a Masters in Business Administration. Apart from other fellowship programmes, Joho has also vast expertise in Information Technology. Joho is founder of Hassan Joho Foundation. He is married to Madina Hassan and is blessed with 3 children Shaheed, Rahma Ummu Kulthum.

Hugues Ngouelondele

Maire de Brazzaville, Président de l’Association des Maires du Congo

Sorti de l’école des Douanes Koléa d’Alger (Algérie)en 1998, avec un diplôme d’Officier des Douanes,  Hugues NGOUELONDELE, est nommé, Représentant du Congo auprès de l’Organisation Mondiale des Douanes (OMD) en 1999.

Son parcours politique commence en 2002, en tant que Président de l’Association Espoir et Vie. A la faveur des législatives de 2002,  il est élu Député de la 2^ème circonscription de Moungali. A l’issue des élections locales  de la même année, il est élu Président du Conseil départemental et municipal, Maire  de la ville de Brazzaville, et  réélu maire de la ville en 2008 jusqu’à nos jours.

En 2003, il est élu Président de l’Association des Maires du Congo. A ce titre, il participe aux Assemblées Générales Constitutives de CGLU en France et de CGLUA à Tshwan en 2005 en Afrique du Sud. Hugues NGOUELONDELE a été Vice-Président CGLU section Afrique, et Président par intérim de CGLU-Afrique. Il est membre du Bureau Exécutif depuis 2005, Vice-Président de l’AIMF et Vice-Président CGLU-Afrique pour la zone Afrique Centrale.  

Hugues NGOUELONDELE, est Officier dans l’Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur (France), Grand Officier dans l’Ordre du Mérite Congolais, Commandeur dans l’Ordre du Mérite sportif congolais et Ambassadeur de la paix.

Hugues Ngouelondele

Maire de Brazzaville, Président de l’Association des Maires du Congo

Sorti de l’école des Douanes Koléa d’Alger (Algérie)en 1998, avec un diplôme d’Officier des Douanes,  Hugues NGOUELONDELE, est nommé, Représentant du Congo auprès de l’Organisation Mondiale des Douanes (OMD) en 1999.

Son parcours politique commence en 2002, en tant que Président de l’Association Espoir et Vie. A la faveur des législatives de 2002,  il est élu Député de la 2^ème circonscription de Moungali. A l’issue des élections locales  de la même année, il est élu Président du Conseil départemental et municipal, Maire  de la ville de Brazzaville, et  réélu maire de la ville en 2008 jusqu’à nos jours.

En 2003, il est élu Président de l’Association des Maires du Congo. A ce titre, il participe aux Assemblées Générales Constitutives de CGLU en France et de CGLUA à Tshwan en 2005 en Afrique du Sud. Hugues NGOUELONDELE a été Vice-Président CGLU section Afrique, et Président par intérim de CGLU-Afrique. Il est membre du Bureau Exécutif depuis 2005, Vice-Président de l’AIMF et Vice-Président CGLU-Afrique pour la zone Afrique Centrale.  

Hugues NGOUELONDELE, est Officier dans l’Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur (France), Grand Officier dans l’Ordre du Mérite Congolais, Commandeur dans l’Ordre du Mérite sportif congolais et Ambassadeur de la paix.

Ibone Bengoetxea

Deputy Mayor of Bilbao, City Councilor for Culture and Education and President of EUDEL – Basque Association of Municipalities

Ms. Ibone Bengoetxea has a Degree on Psychology. She has developed her professional life in the field of transport (Basque Rail train and Metro Bilbao) as well as in Social Services, especially in the field of family and childhood mistreatments.

Ms. Bengoetxea began her political career in local politics in 2003. She currently holds the following positions:

- Second Deputy Mayor of the City Bilbao
- City Councilor of Culture and Education
- Coordinator of Cultural Policies, Education and Leisure
- President of EUDEL (Basque Association of Municipalities)

Previous positions:
- Deputy Mayor, City Councilor of Culture and Education and Main Speaks person titular (2007-2011)
- City Councilor of Traffic and Transport. President of District 5 (2003-2007)

Ibone Bengoetxea

Deputy Mayor of Bilbao, City Councilor for Culture and Education and President of EUDEL – Basque Association of Municipalities

Ms. Ibone Bengoetxea has a Degree on Psychology. She has developed her professional life in the field of transport (Basque Rail train and Metro Bilbao) as well as in Social Services, especially in the field of family and childhood mistreatments.

Ms. Bengoetxea began her political career in local politics in 2003. She currently holds the following positions:

- Second Deputy Mayor of the City Bilbao
- City Councilor of Culture and Education
- Coordinator of Cultural Policies, Education and Leisure
- President of EUDEL (Basque Association of Municipalities)

Previous positions:
- Deputy Mayor, City Councilor of Culture and Education and Main Speaks person titular (2007-2011)
- City Councilor of Traffic and Transport. President of District 5 (2003-2007)

Ilsur Metshin

Mayor of Kazan. Co-president of UCLG and President of Eurasian section of UCLG

Ilsur Metshin was born on April 24, 1969 in Nizhnekamsk. He graduated from the law faculty of Kazan State University with a specialization in jurisprudence (1992). After graduation from the university he continued a full-time postgraduate study at the law faculty. He is a master of laws.

From 1998 to 2005 he was the head of Nizhnekamsk Region Administration and Nizhnekamsk City (from 2005 – Mayor of Nizhnekamsk).
From 2000 to 2004 he was a deputy of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan.
In November 2005 he became the head of Kazan Administration.
Since 2006 he has been the head of the Executive Committee of the Municipality of Kazan, since March 2006 – a deputy of Kazan City Duma.
Ilsur Metshin has been Mayor of Kazan Since March 17, 2006.
In April 2006 he became a member of UN Advisory Board on local government . 
In October 2006 Mr. Metshin became vice-president of World Organization “United Cities and Local Governments” and President of the Eurasian section of World Organization “United Cities and Local Governments”. 

Ilsur Metshin is Vice-president of the organization of World Heritage cities; International Assembly of Capitals and Cities; Russian Union of Historical Cities and Regions (Chamber Chairman of Historical Cities). He is on the board of the Union of Russian Cities. 

Ilsur Metshin

Mayor of Kazan. Co-president of UCLG and President of Eurasian section of UCLG

Ilsur Metshin was born on April 24, 1969 in Nizhnekamsk. He graduated from the law faculty of Kazan State University with a specialization in jurisprudence (1992). After graduation from the university he continued a full-time postgraduate study at the law faculty. He is a master of laws.

From 1998 to 2005 he was the head of Nizhnekamsk Region Administration and Nizhnekamsk City (from 2005 – Mayor of Nizhnekamsk).
From 2000 to 2004 he was a deputy of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan.
In November 2005 he became the head of Kazan Administration.
Since 2006 he has been the head of the Executive Committee of the Municipality of Kazan, since March 2006 – a deputy of Kazan City Duma.
Ilsur Metshin has been Mayor of Kazan Since March 17, 2006.
In April 2006 he became a member of UN Advisory Board on local government . 
In October 2006 Mr. Metshin became vice-president of World Organization “United Cities and Local Governments” and President of the Eurasian section of World Organization “United Cities and Local Governments”. 

Ilsur Metshin is Vice-president of the organization of World Heritage cities; International Assembly of Capitals and Cities; Russian Union of Historical Cities and Regions (Chamber Chairman of Historical Cities). He is on the board of the Union of Russian Cities. 

Íñigo Joaquín de la Serna Hernáiz

Maire de Santander, Espagne, Président de la Fédération Espagnole des Municipalités et des Provinces (FEMP) 

Il est ingénieur des ponts et chaussées de formation. Il a été directeur de cabinet du conseiller à l'Environnement du gouvernement régional de Cantabrie entre 1999 et 2003. Il obtient son premier poste politique en juin 2003, lorsqu'il est nommé conseiller à l'Environnement, aux Eaux et aux Plages de la mairie de Santander. L'année suivante, en 2004, il est élu vice-secrétaire général du Parti populaire de Cantabrie (PPC).

Íñigo Joaquín de la Serna Hernáiz

Maire de Santander, Espagne, Président de la Fédération Espagnole des Municipalités et des Provinces (FEMP) 

Il est ingénieur des ponts et chaussées de formation. Il a été directeur de cabinet du conseiller à l'Environnement du gouvernement régional de Cantabrie entre 1999 et 2003. Il obtient son premier poste politique en juin 2003, lorsqu'il est nommé conseiller à l'Environnement, aux Eaux et aux Plages de la mairie de Santander. L'année suivante, en 2004, il est élu vice-secrétaire général du Parti populaire de Cantabrie (PPC).

Isam Akel

Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA)

Specialised in public administration and local government, Mr Akel has held various functions related to capacity building of local government in the Middle East region.

Actively involved in local government reform in Palestine, Mr Akel is member of the National Local Government Reform Team and of the Working committee and Technical committee for developing the strategy and the structure of the National Local Government Training Center.

Mr Akel was Chief Advisor and Regional Coordinator Gold 2 for United Cities and Local Government-Middle East and West Asia (UCLG-MEWA) from December 2008 until March 2012.

Isam Akel

Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA)

Specialised in public administration and local government, Mr Akel has held various functions related to capacity building of local government in the Middle East region.

Actively involved in local government reform in Palestine, Mr Akel is member of the National Local Government Reform Team and of the Working committee and Technical committee for developing the strategy and the structure of the National Local Government Training Center.

Mr Akel was Chief Advisor and Regional Coordinator Gold 2 for United Cities and Local Government-Middle East and West Asia (UCLG-MEWA) from December 2008 until March 2012.

Jacquie Subban

Head of Geographic Information and Policy, eThekwini Municipality

Jacquie Subban

Head of Geographic Information and Policy, eThekwini Municipality

Jairo Jorge

Mayor of Canoas

Jairo Jorge, 50 years old, is journalist. From 1993 to 2000 he practiced his profession in various television networks. In 1988 he was elected the city councilor most voted of the Worker’s Party in the interior of State of Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil. In 2003 he was Deputy Secretary of the Special Secretariat of the Social and Economic Development Council of the Presidency of Republic. Also served the positions of Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary in the Ministry of Education. By the year 2008 the Mayor of Canoas was the Pro-Dean of Communitarian Affairs of the Brazilian Lutheran University and for over 20 years he acts in the public life. Jairo Jorge was elected Mayor of Canoas in 2008 and built a participatory, daring and transparent management which resulted in strong positive changes in the city. In 2012 he was re-elected  with 71.27% of the votes, the sixth highest voting of Brazilian municipal elections and the largest of the southern region of the country.

Jairo Jorge

Mayor of Canoas

Jairo Jorge, 50 years old, is journalist. From 1993 to 2000 he practiced his profession in various television networks. In 1988 he was elected the city councilor most voted of the Worker’s Party in the interior of State of Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil. In 2003 he was Deputy Secretary of the Special Secretariat of the Social and Economic Development Council of the Presidency of Republic. Also served the positions of Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary in the Ministry of Education. By the year 2008 the Mayor of Canoas was the Pro-Dean of Communitarian Affairs of the Brazilian Lutheran University and for over 20 years he acts in the public life. Jairo Jorge was elected Mayor of Canoas in 2008 and built a participatory, daring and transparent management which resulted in strong positive changes in the city. In 2012 he was re-elected  with 71.27% of the votes, the sixth highest voting of Brazilian municipal elections and the largest of the southern region of the country.

Jantine Kriens

President of the Board of Directors of Association of Municipalities of the Netherlands (VNG)

Ms. Jantine Kriens has been active in the public sector since 1977, as civil servant for the municipality of Rotterdam and within the ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Between 2002 and 2006, she was elected councilor for the Labour Party in the city of Rotterdam.

In 2006 she became the first vice-mayor of Rotterdam and alderman in the field of Social Care, Health and Wellbeing. Additionally, between 2010 and 2013 she was responsible for municipal finances and for the restructuring of the municipal organisation. In that period, she was also member of the presidency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and chair of the Board for Labour Affairs of the VNG.

Since June 2013, Ms. Kriens fulfills the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the VNG.

Jantine Kriens

President of the Board of Directors of Association of Municipalities of the Netherlands (VNG)

Ms. Jantine Kriens has been active in the public sector since 1977, as civil servant for the municipality of Rotterdam and within the ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Between 2002 and 2006, she was elected councilor for the Labour Party in the city of Rotterdam.

In 2006 she became the first vice-mayor of Rotterdam and alderman in the field of Social Care, Health and Wellbeing. Additionally, between 2010 and 2013 she was responsible for municipal finances and for the restructuring of the municipal organisation. In that period, she was also member of the presidency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and chair of the Board for Labour Affairs of the VNG.

Since June 2013, Ms. Kriens fulfills the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the VNG.

Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi

Secretary General of UCLG Africa

Jean Pierre ELONG MBASSI is Secretary General of UCLG Africa since 2007, the unified organization of African local governments, which is the African section of the world organization of United Cities and Local Governments (Headquartered in Rabat, Morocco).

He has nearly 30 years’ experience in the field of urban and municipal management, of slum upgrading, and of local economic development, decentralization and territorial development.

From 1992 to 2007, he was Secretary-general of the Municipal Development Partnership, West and Central Africa Office based in Cotonou (Benin Republic). From 1996 to 1998, he hold the position of Secretary-general of the World Association of Cities and Local Authorities Coordination (WACLAC) created by the main world organizations of cities namely IULA, UTO, SUMMIT, METROPOLIS with its seat in Geneva (Switzerland), concurrently with the position of Secretary General of MDP, WCAO.

He is former member of the Policy Advisory Board of the Cities Alliance (World Bank, Washington), Member of the International association of Technicians, Experts and Researchers (AITEC/Paris), Associate member of Metropolis, world Association of large cities, Coordinator of the Inter African Network of Urban Studies (RIEU), Member of the Scientific Committee of the African Institute of Urban Management (IAGU), Member of the International association of Architects and Urban planners.

His publications include Community participation, Local economic development, Land information systems and the local taxation, the management of African large western coastal cities, Decentralization in West Africa, Local development in the countries of Sahel, Decentralization in Burkina Faso, and the African chapter of the Global Observatory on Local Democracy (GOLD).

Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi

Secretary General of UCLG Africa

Jean Pierre ELONG MBASSI is Secretary General of UCLG Africa since 2007, the unified organization of African local governments, which is the African section of the world organization of United Cities and Local Governments (Headquartered in Rabat, Morocco).

He has nearly 30 years’ experience in the field of urban and municipal management, of slum upgrading, and of local economic development, decentralization and territorial development.

From 1992 to 2007, he was Secretary-general of the Municipal Development Partnership, West and Central Africa Office based in Cotonou (Benin Republic). From 1996 to 1998, he hold the position of Secretary-general of the World Association of Cities and Local Authorities Coordination (WACLAC) created by the main world organizations of cities namely IULA, UTO, SUMMIT, METROPOLIS with its seat in Geneva (Switzerland), concurrently with the position of Secretary General of MDP, WCAO.

He is former member of the Policy Advisory Board of the Cities Alliance (World Bank, Washington), Member of the International association of Technicians, Experts and Researchers (AITEC/Paris), Associate member of Metropolis, world Association of large cities, Coordinator of the Inter African Network of Urban Studies (RIEU), Member of the Scientific Committee of the African Institute of Urban Management (IAGU), Member of the International association of Architects and Urban planners.

His publications include Community participation, Local economic development, Land information systems and the local taxation, the management of African large western coastal cities, Decentralization in West Africa, Local development in the countries of Sahel, Decentralization in Burkina Faso, and the African chapter of the Global Observatory on Local Democracy (GOLD).

Jean-Claude Frécon

Président de la Chambre des pouvoirs locaux du Congrès du Conseil de l’Europe

Il est Sénateur du département de la Loire en Rhône-Alpes et Conseiller Municipal de Pouilly-lès-Feurs. Il est aussi membre de l’Association des Maires en France, chargé en particulier des rapports financiers entre l’Etat et les collectivités locales. 

Il est membre du Congrès des pouvoirs locaux et régionaux du Conseil de l'Europe depuis 1994. Il est Vice-Président du Congrès depuis 2002 est Président de la délégation française du Congrès depuis 2004.

Il est Vice-Président du groupe d'experts indépendants sur la Charte européenne de l'autonomie locale et a été, à ce titre-là, rapporteur en juin 1998 sur « les finances et les compétences des collectivités territoriales en Europe » et, en juin 2000, sur « les ressources financières des collectivités locales, leurs compétences et le principe de subsidiarité ».

Il a également été Rapporteur du Congrès pour l’Azerbaïdjan, "l’Ex-République Yougoslave de Macédoine", la Roumanie ainsi que Rapporteur sur la situation financière des collectivités locales en Allemagne et Rapporteur général du Forum Européen pour la démocratie locale à Kiev (2009).

Il a observé des élections en Albanie, Azerbaïdjan, "Ex-République Yougoslave de Macédoine", Israël, Palestine, Roumanie et Tchétchénie. Il a par ailleurs effectué des missions à Sarajevo pour la préparation des élections et au Maroc pour la mise en place de la décentralisation. En outre, il a participé à plusieurs missions de suivi pour évaluer l’application de la Charte Européenne de l’Autonomie Locale en Albanie, Arménie, Belarus, Croatie, Georgie, Monténégro, Russie, Slovénie et Lettonie. 

Jean-Claude Frécon

Président de la Chambre des pouvoirs locaux du Congrès du Conseil de l’Europe

Il est Sénateur du département de la Loire en Rhône-Alpes et Conseiller Municipal de Pouilly-lès-Feurs. Il est aussi membre de l’Association des Maires en France, chargé en particulier des rapports financiers entre l’Etat et les collectivités locales. 

Il est membre du Congrès des pouvoirs locaux et régionaux du Conseil de l'Europe depuis 1994. Il est Vice-Président du Congrès depuis 2002 est Président de la délégation française du Congrès depuis 2004.

Il est Vice-Président du groupe d'experts indépendants sur la Charte européenne de l'autonomie locale et a été, à ce titre-là, rapporteur en juin 1998 sur « les finances et les compétences des collectivités territoriales en Europe » et, en juin 2000, sur « les ressources financières des collectivités locales, leurs compétences et le principe de subsidiarité ».

Il a également été Rapporteur du Congrès pour l’Azerbaïdjan, "l’Ex-République Yougoslave de Macédoine", la Roumanie ainsi que Rapporteur sur la situation financière des collectivités locales en Allemagne et Rapporteur général du Forum Européen pour la démocratie locale à Kiev (2009).

Il a observé des élections en Albanie, Azerbaïdjan, "Ex-République Yougoslave de Macédoine", Israël, Palestine, Roumanie et Tchétchénie. Il a par ailleurs effectué des missions à Sarajevo pour la préparation des élections et au Maroc pour la mise en place de la décentralisation. En outre, il a participé à plusieurs missions de suivi pour évaluer l’application de la Charte Européenne de l’Autonomie Locale en Albanie, Arménie, Belarus, Croatie, Georgie, Monténégro, Russie, Slovénie et Lettonie. 

Jeffrey O’Malley

Director of the Division of Policy and Strategy for UNICEF

Jeffrey O’Malley is the Director of the Division of Policy and Strategy for UNICEF, based in New York.  Mr O’Malley has over 25 years of experience in public health and development. Prior to joining UNICEF, Mr O’Malley’s background includes serving as the Director of HIV, Health and Development for UNDP and as the Country Director for India for PATH, the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health. Between 1993 and 2004, he established and led the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, which became the world’s largest international development nongovernmental organization specializing in HIV and AIDS. Mr. O’Malley has also worked for the Harvard School of Public Health and for the World Health Organization.

Jeffrey O’Malley

Director of the Division of Policy and Strategy for UNICEF

Jeffrey O’Malley is the Director of the Division of Policy and Strategy for UNICEF, based in New York.  Mr O’Malley has over 25 years of experience in public health and development. Prior to joining UNICEF, Mr O’Malley’s background includes serving as the Director of HIV, Health and Development for UNDP and as the Country Director for India for PATH, the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health. Between 1993 and 2004, he established and led the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, which became the world’s largest international development nongovernmental organization specializing in HIV and AIDS. Mr. O’Malley has also worked for the Harvard School of Public Health and for the World Health Organization.

Jenaro García Martín

GOWEX CEO

Jenaro García Martín

GOWEX CEO

Joan Carles Garcia Cañizares

Mayor of Tordera, Barcelona

Joan Carles Garcia Cañizares is currently the Mayor of Tordera, Barcelona, since 1995, and Member of the Provincial Council of Barcelona since 2007. In the past he has held several positions in the field of local governments such as National Counsellor of the Catalan Association of Municipalities (2003-11) and Member of the Youth Commission of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (2003-11).

Joan Carles Garcia Cañizares

Mayor of Tordera, Barcelona

Joan Carles Garcia Cañizares is currently the Mayor of Tordera, Barcelona, since 1995, and Member of the Provincial Council of Barcelona since 2007. In the past he has held several positions in the field of local governments such as National Counsellor of the Catalan Association of Municipalities (2003-11) and Member of the Youth Commission of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (2003-11).

Joan Clos

United Nations Under-Secretary General and UN-Habitat Executive Director from October 2010

Born in Barcelona on 29 June 1949, he is a medical doctor with a distinguished career in public service and diplomacy. He was twice elected Mayor of Barcelona serving two terms during the years 1997-2006. He was appointed Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade of Spain (2006-2008). Prior to joining the United Nations, he served as Spanish ambassador to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

In his career, he earned a reputation for improving municipal management and for urban renewal projects, notably managing the renovation of downtown Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella district. Joan Clos is also widely credited with inspiring far reaching investment programmes for Barcelona as the Barcelona@22.

Joan Clos

United Nations Under-Secretary General and UN-Habitat Executive Director from October 2010

Born in Barcelona on 29 June 1949, he is a medical doctor with a distinguished career in public service and diplomacy. He was twice elected Mayor of Barcelona serving two terms during the years 1997-2006. He was appointed Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade of Spain (2006-2008). Prior to joining the United Nations, he served as Spanish ambassador to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

In his career, he earned a reputation for improving municipal management and for urban renewal projects, notably managing the renovation of downtown Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella district. Joan Clos is also widely credited with inspiring far reaching investment programmes for Barcelona as the Barcelona@22.

Joana Ortega i Alemany

Vice-president of Catalonia

Es la vicepresidente del Gobierno de la Generalitat de Catalunya y consejera de Gobernación y Relaciones Institucionales. También es diputada del Parlament de Catalunya desde 2006.

Su carrera política se inició en el Ayuntamiento de Barcelona siendo consejera técnica del distrito de Las Cortes (1992-1995), regidora ejecutiva del distrito del Ensanche (1995-1999) y regidora del consistorio barcelonés (1996-2007). A nivel municipal ha sido miembro del Consejo de Administración de Barcelona Activa (1996-2003) y de la Instituto de Cultura de Barcelona (1999-2003).Durante los mandatos de Jordi Pujol como presidente de la Generalitat, fue presidenta del Instituto Catalán de la Mujer (2002) y del Consejo Nacional de Mujeres de Catalunya (2002).Es miembro del equipo directivo de Tribuna Barcelona. Ha sido tertuliana del programa "Bon dia, Catalunya", de TV3 (2000-2002), en COM Ràdio (desde el 1999) y de Radio Intereconomía. Es articulista mensual en El Mundo.

El 2006, entró en el Parlament de Catalunya siendo escogida diputada por la circunscripción de Barcelona. El 2010 se volvió a presentar como número dos de la lista de CiU encabezada por Artur Mas.

Joana Ortega i Alemany

Vice-president of Catalonia

Es la vicepresidente del Gobierno de la Generalitat de Catalunya y consejera de Gobernación y Relaciones Institucionales. También es diputada del Parlament de Catalunya desde 2006.

Su carrera política se inició en el Ayuntamiento de Barcelona siendo consejera técnica del distrito de Las Cortes (1992-1995), regidora ejecutiva del distrito del Ensanche (1995-1999) y regidora del consistorio barcelonés (1996-2007). A nivel municipal ha sido miembro del Consejo de Administración de Barcelona Activa (1996-2003) y de la Instituto de Cultura de Barcelona (1999-2003).Durante los mandatos de Jordi Pujol como presidente de la Generalitat, fue presidenta del Instituto Catalán de la Mujer (2002) y del Consejo Nacional de Mujeres de Catalunya (2002).Es miembro del equipo directivo de Tribuna Barcelona. Ha sido tertuliana del programa "Bon dia, Catalunya", de TV3 (2000-2002), en COM Ràdio (desde el 1999) y de Radio Intereconomía. Es articulista mensual en El Mundo.

El 2006, entró en el Parlament de Catalunya siendo escogida diputada por la circunscripción de Barcelona. El 2010 se volvió a presentar como número dos de la lista de CiU encabezada por Artur Mas.

Joaquim Oliveira Martins

Head of Regional Development Policy Division, Public Governance and Territorial Development, OECD

Mr Joaquim Oliveira Martins is Head of the OECD Regional Development Policy Division. Current projects cover the determinants and distribution of regional growth, regional innovation, urban development and green growth and multi-level governance.

He was the former Head of the Structural Economic Statistics Division, focusing on Trade & Globalisation indicators, Productivity measurement and Business statistics. Previously, he was Senior Economist at the Economics Department heading projects on the Economics of Education, Ageing and Growth, and Health Systems. He was also Head of Desk for emerging markets, where he was in charge of the first Economic Surveys of Brazil, Chile and several transition countries.

Joaquim Oliveira Martins

Head of Regional Development Policy Division, Public Governance and Territorial Development, OECD

Mr Joaquim Oliveira Martins is Head of the OECD Regional Development Policy Division. Current projects cover the determinants and distribution of regional growth, regional innovation, urban development and green growth and multi-level governance.

He was the former Head of the Structural Economic Statistics Division, focusing on Trade & Globalisation indicators, Productivity measurement and Business statistics. Previously, he was Senior Economist at the Economics Department heading projects on the Economics of Education, Ageing and Growth, and Health Systems. He was also Head of Desk for emerging markets, where he was in charge of the first Economic Surveys of Brazil, Chile and several transition countries.

Jockin Arputham

President of Slum Dwellers International (SDI), and President of National Slum Dwellers Indian Federation

Jockin Arputham, from Mumbai, India, is the director of Shack/Slum Dwellers International (SDI), a movement to mobilize and empower squatters that spans 23 countries around the world. He is also a founding member of SPARC, the Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centres, an NGO that works in 21 cities in India.

Key to his work are communal savings associations that pool the contributions of the participants, allowing the urban poor to effect the development of their communities. In three years' time, 95,000 families will have been housed in Mumbai alone.

A slum dweller himself, Jockin has met with government ministers around the world to talk about what they can do for the more than 1 billion urban squatters in the world today.

In 2000 he was joint winner of the Ramon Magsaysay award, which honors courageous service to people and communities around the world

Jockin Arputham

President of Slum Dwellers International (SDI), and President of National Slum Dwellers Indian Federation

Jockin Arputham, from Mumbai, India, is the director of Shack/Slum Dwellers International (SDI), a movement to mobilize and empower squatters that spans 23 countries around the world. He is also a founding member of SPARC, the Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centres, an NGO that works in 21 cities in India.

Key to his work are communal savings associations that pool the contributions of the participants, allowing the urban poor to effect the development of their communities. In three years' time, 95,000 families will have been housed in Mumbai alone.

A slum dweller himself, Jockin has met with government ministers around the world to talk about what they can do for the more than 1 billion urban squatters in the world today.

In 2000 he was joint winner of the Ramon Magsaysay award, which honors courageous service to people and communities around the world

Johannes Krassnitzer

Spécialiste Programme, PNUD-ART

Mr Krassnitzer is Programme Specialist of the UNDP ART Initiative, an international cooperation program promoting a territorial approach to development based on multi-level and multi-actor partnerships to attain Sustainable Human Development. He has previously coordinated the UNDP ART programmes in Sri Lanka and Senegal. Previous to UNDP, he worked with UNOPS on area-based rehabilitation programmes in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central Asia and Latin America, and with various NGOs in Guatemala and Colombia.

Mr. Krassnitzer holds a degree from the London School of Economics, Development Management, as well as a degree from the Vienna University in International Relations and Anthropology. 

Johannes Krassnitzer

Spécialiste Programme, PNUD-ART

Mr Krassnitzer is Programme Specialist of the UNDP ART Initiative, an international cooperation program promoting a territorial approach to development based on multi-level and multi-actor partnerships to attain Sustainable Human Development. He has previously coordinated the UNDP ART programmes in Sri Lanka and Senegal. Previous to UNDP, he worked with UNOPS on area-based rehabilitation programmes in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central Asia and Latin America, and with various NGOs in Guatemala and Colombia.

Mr. Krassnitzer holds a degree from the London School of Economics, Development Management, as well as a degree from the Vienna University in International Relations and Anthropology. 

José Fortunati

Mayor of Porto Alegre

José Alberto Reus Fortunati holds a degree in Public and Business Administration, Law and Social Sciences and Mathematics. He was part of popular movements and was president of the Union of Bank Professionals of Porto Alegre and president of Central Única dos Trabalhadores in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.  In 1987, he took over as state deputy. Then he was federal deputy for two terms and in 1997 he took over as deputy mayor of Porto Alegre and as the city’s Secretary of Government. In 2000 he was elected councilman. In 2002 he joined the Democratic Labor Party (PDT). He was also president of the City Council, State Secretary of Education and City’s Secretary of Planning. In 2008 he was again elected as deputy mayor, also taking on the Special Secretariat of the 2014 World Cup. In 2010, he took over as mayor of Porto Alegre. In 2012 he was elected mayor of Porto Alegre after winning the election in the first round. This year, he was elected president of the National Front of Mayors for the 2013/2014 administration.

José Fortunati

Mayor of Porto Alegre

José Alberto Reus Fortunati holds a degree in Public and Business Administration, Law and Social Sciences and Mathematics. He was part of popular movements and was president of the Union of Bank Professionals of Porto Alegre and president of Central Única dos Trabalhadores in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.  In 1987, he took over as state deputy. Then he was federal deputy for two terms and in 1997 he took over as deputy mayor of Porto Alegre and as the city’s Secretary of Government. In 2000 he was elected councilman. In 2002 he joined the Democratic Labor Party (PDT). He was also president of the City Council, State Secretary of Education and City’s Secretary of Planning. In 2008 he was again elected as deputy mayor, also taking on the Special Secretariat of the 2014 World Cup. In 2010, he took over as mayor of Porto Alegre. In 2012 he was elected mayor of Porto Alegre after winning the election in the first round. This year, he was elected president of the National Front of Mayors for the 2013/2014 administration.

José Graziano da Silva

General Director, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) 

José Graziano da Silva, born November 17, 1949, is an American-born Brazilian agronomist and writer. As a scholar, he has authored several books about the problems of agriculture in Brazil. Between 2003 and 2004, Graziano served in the Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva cabinet as Extraordinary Minister for Food Security, being responsible for implementing the Fome Zero program, which took 28 million people out of the national poverty line during the 8 years of the Lula administration. On June 26, 2011, Graziano was elected as the new Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), becoming the first Latin American ever to do so. He assumed his role as the Director General on January 1, 2012 and his term will last till July 2015.

José Graziano da Silva

General Director, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) 

José Graziano da Silva, born November 17, 1949, is an American-born Brazilian agronomist and writer. As a scholar, he has authored several books about the problems of agriculture in Brazil. Between 2003 and 2004, Graziano served in the Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva cabinet as Extraordinary Minister for Food Security, being responsible for implementing the Fome Zero program, which took 28 million people out of the national poverty line during the 8 years of the Lula administration. On June 26, 2011, Graziano was elected as the new Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), becoming the first Latin American ever to do so. He assumed his role as the Director General on January 1, 2012 and his term will last till July 2015.

Josep Roig

Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments UCLG

Josep Roig is the Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments since September 2011.

He has been a founding member of Metropolis in 1985, prior to becoming the Secretary General of Metropolis in 1999. He held the position of Deputy Secretary as well as Executive Director of Metropolis’99 between 1997 and 1999.

Prior to that, Josep Roig was the secretary of Barcelona Quality Network until 1997, the Quality Coordinator of Barcelona 2000 Strategic Plan, and a consultant for public organization.

In his position in Barcelona Metropolitan Corporation (CMB) (1983-1990, 1996-2000, 2009-2011), he worked for economic promotion, asset management, finances and planning, first as Coordinator of Technological and Industrial State Parks, then as Deputy Director and finally as Financial Director and Deputy Director General, for the above mentioned sectors.

In the academic world, Josep Roig was Director General of the University of Barcelona between 1990 and 1994 and from 1977 to 1985; he was a lecturer in Urban and Regional Planning, Department of Economics, University of Barcelona.

Josep Roig

Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments UCLG

Josep Roig is the Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments since September 2011.

He has been a founding member of Metropolis in 1985, prior to becoming the Secretary General of Metropolis in 1999. He held the position of Deputy Secretary as well as Executive Director of Metropolis’99 between 1997 and 1999.

Prior to that, Josep Roig was the secretary of Barcelona Quality Network until 1997, the Quality Coordinator of Barcelona 2000 Strategic Plan, and a consultant for public organization.

In his position in Barcelona Metropolitan Corporation (CMB) (1983-1990, 1996-2000, 2009-2011), he worked for economic promotion, asset management, finances and planning, first as Coordinator of Technological and Industrial State Parks, then as Deputy Director and finally as Financial Director and Deputy Director General, for the above mentioned sectors.

In the academic world, Josep Roig was Director General of the University of Barcelona between 1990 and 1994 and from 1977 to 1985; he was a lecturer in Urban and Regional Planning, Department of Economics, University of Barcelona.

Jürgen Roters

Mayor of Cologne

Jürgen Roters was directly elected as Mayor of Cologne in August 2009.

Roters served as Superintendent of theColognepolice from 1995 to 1999 and President of the regional government inColognefrom 1999 until 2005.

He started his professional career as commissioner with the regional government in Muenster (1978-1981) and head of the division with the ministry for culture in the Bundesland of North Rhine-Westphalia (1981/82). In 1982 he took over the chair of theCologneAdministrativeCollege. In 1988 he changed to the home ministry of the Bundesland of North Rhine-Westphalia as head of the minister’s office 

Mr. Roters is member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). He was born in 1949 and studied law.

Jürgen Roters

Mayor of Cologne

Jürgen Roters was directly elected as Mayor of Cologne in August 2009.

Roters served as Superintendent of theColognepolice from 1995 to 1999 and President of the regional government inColognefrom 1999 until 2005.

He started his professional career as commissioner with the regional government in Muenster (1978-1981) and head of the division with the ministry for culture in the Bundesland of North Rhine-Westphalia (1981/82). In 1982 he took over the chair of theCologneAdministrativeCollege. In 1988 he changed to the home ministry of the Bundesland of North Rhine-Westphalia as head of the minister’s office 

Mr. Roters is member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). He was born in 1949 and studied law.

Jürgen Schwettmann

Director of the Department of Partnerships and Field Support (PFS), International Labour Organisation (ILO)

Jürgen Schwettmann is the ILO Director of the Department of Partnerships and Field Support (PFS); responsible for ILO’s technical cooperation policy and programme, strategic partnerships with international organizations, South-South cooperation, public-private partnerships, and technical and administrative support to ILO’s sixty field offices.

Jürgen Schwettmann

Director of the Department of Partnerships and Field Support (PFS), International Labour Organisation (ILO)

Jürgen Schwettmann is the ILO Director of the Department of Partnerships and Field Support (PFS); responsible for ILO’s technical cooperation policy and programme, strategic partnerships with international organizations, South-South cooperation, public-private partnerships, and technical and administrative support to ILO’s sixty field offices.

Kadir Topbaş

Mayor of Metropolitan Istanbul / UCLG President

Kadir Topbaş was born in Artvin, Turkey in 1945. He graduated from Marmara University- Faculty of Theology in 1972, and Mimar Sinan University-Department of Architecture in 1974. Topbaş earned his PhD degree from Istanbul University-Department of Art History and Archeology, with a study on "Hidiv Mansion and its place in Bosphorus civilian architecture". Topbas worked as an architect for many years. 

Between 1994 and 1998, Kadir Topbaş worked as an adviser for Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, when Erdogan was the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Topbas also served as the deputy director of Istanbul 1st Cultural Heritage Protection and Monuments Committee of the Ministry of Culture. 

Kadir Topbaş was elected as the Mayor of Beyoglu (a district of Istanbul) in 1999. During this period, he launched and successfully implemented an urban regeneration project called the "Güzel Beyoglu" ("Beautiful Beyoglu"). 

In March 2004 he run for Mayor of Istanbul and was elected with a vast majority of votes. He was re-elected in 2009 with a larger majority. 

He served as President of MEWA and Vice-President of UCLG between 2004 and 2007 and as Co-President of UCLG between 2007-2010. He was elected President of UCLG in Mexico in November 2010. He was nominated by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, as member of the High Level Panel to advise on the global development framework beyond 2015.

Kadir Topbaş

Mayor of Metropolitan Istanbul / UCLG President

Kadir Topbaş was born in Artvin, Turkey in 1945. He graduated from Marmara University- Faculty of Theology in 1972, and Mimar Sinan University-Department of Architecture in 1974. Topbaş earned his PhD degree from Istanbul University-Department of Art History and Archeology, with a study on "Hidiv Mansion and its place in Bosphorus civilian architecture". Topbas worked as an architect for many years. 

Between 1994 and 1998, Kadir Topbaş worked as an adviser for Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, when Erdogan was the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Topbas also served as the deputy director of Istanbul 1st Cultural Heritage Protection and Monuments Committee of the Ministry of Culture. 

Kadir Topbaş was elected as the Mayor of Beyoglu (a district of Istanbul) in 1999. During this period, he launched and successfully implemented an urban regeneration project called the "Güzel Beyoglu" ("Beautiful Beyoglu"). 

In March 2004 he run for Mayor of Istanbul and was elected with a vast majority of votes. He was re-elected in 2009 with a larger majority. 

He served as President of MEWA and Vice-President of UCLG between 2004 and 2007 and as Co-President of UCLG between 2007-2010. He was elected President of UCLG in Mexico in November 2010. He was nominated by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, as member of the High Level Panel to advise on the global development framework beyond 2015.

Khalifa Ababacar Sall

Mayor of Dakar, Senegal. / President of UCLG Africa

Khalifa Ababacar Sall est maire de Dakar depuis avril 2009 et ancien ministre de l’économie. En tant que maire de Dakar, il promeut la bonne gouvernance avec l’objectif d’un service public municipal de qualité rendu aux citoyens suivant les standards les plus élevés de la transparence, ainsi que la démocratie participative  au moyen de nouvelles dynamiques inclusives afin de créer des cadres de mobilisation d’une citoyenneté active et vigilante. Son ambition est de faire de Dakar une ville moderne au moyen d’investissements structurants qui visent à améliorer le cadre et la qualité de vie avec des objectifs d’innovation et dans une logique de développement durable. Une ville ouverte à toutes les fraternités qui engage avec les villes du monde entier des coopérations dynamiques qui servent la finalité d’un partenariat gagnant-gagnant.

Khalifa Ababacar Sall

Mayor of Dakar, Senegal. / President of UCLG Africa

Khalifa Ababacar Sall est maire de Dakar depuis avril 2009 et ancien ministre de l’économie. En tant que maire de Dakar, il promeut la bonne gouvernance avec l’objectif d’un service public municipal de qualité rendu aux citoyens suivant les standards les plus élevés de la transparence, ainsi que la démocratie participative  au moyen de nouvelles dynamiques inclusives afin de créer des cadres de mobilisation d’une citoyenneté active et vigilante. Son ambition est de faire de Dakar une ville moderne au moyen d’investissements structurants qui visent à améliorer le cadre et la qualité de vie avec des objectifs d’innovation et dans une logique de développement durable. Une ville ouverte à toutes les fraternités qui engage avec les villes du monde entier des coopérations dynamiques qui servent la finalité d’un partenariat gagnant-gagnant.

Kim Kwan Yong

Governor of Gyeonsangduk, President of the Governors Association of Korea

He graduated from Yeungnam University in 1969, Economics, Daegu, Republic of Korea (ROK).

He is the 30th Governor (Elected), Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea. He is also the president of Governors Association of Korea.

In 2011, he was granted the Grand Prix of Communication Management of Korea by Hankyung Business, in 2009 the Excellent Local Government by the Korea National Council of Women, and in 2008 the Grand Prix of Respectable CEO of Korea Award.

Kim Kwan Yong

Governor of Gyeonsangduk, President of the Governors Association of Korea

He graduated from Yeungnam University in 1969, Economics, Daegu, Republic of Korea (ROK).

He is the 30th Governor (Elected), Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea. He is also the president of Governors Association of Korea.

In 2011, he was granted the Grand Prix of Communication Management of Korea by Hankyung Business, in 2009 the Excellent Local Government by the Korea National Council of Women, and in 2008 the Grand Prix of Respectable CEO of Korea Award.