
Panels
01.
Safe Cities: Confronting Crime
This panel examines the relationship between crime, gender-based violence, and urban dynamics, highlighting innovative policies to address these challenges. Through this discussion, the panel aims to explore actionable insights to create safer, more inclusive cities for all residents.
02.
Breaking Barriers: Latin American Entrepreneurs Shaping the Future of Cities
The panel will showcase how Latin American entrepreneurs are transforming urban spaces through innovation, technology, and social impact. Speakers will share their experiences overcoming challenges, scaling solutions, and reshaping cities to be more inclusive, sustainable, and dynamic.
03.
Leading Change: Urban governance in Bogotá and Palmira
The panel will explore the challenges and opportunities of local governance, focusing on institutional capacity, public service delivery, and citizen engagement. Experts will discuss innovative policies, governance models, and lessons learned to strengthen democratic institutions and improve urban management
04.
From the Periphery to the Center: Social Mobility in Latin American Cities
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This panel will explore these challenges, different perspectives on overcoming them, and actionable policy solutions to foster more inclusive and equitable urban development. Experts will discuss the role of local governments, private sector initiatives, and civil society in driving meaningful change and ensuring that cities become engines of opportunity rather than inequality.
05.
Cities at a Crossroads: Addressing Urban Planning and Housing Dilemmas
​This panel explores pressing urban planning challenges in Latin America, focusing on balancing rapid urbanization with equity and sustainability. Experts will discuss innovative strategies, including governance, transportation planning, feminist urban design, and housing policies, offering insights into creating resilient, inclusive, and future-ready cities.
06.
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Pioneers of Development
​The panel discussion will address the role of infrastructure, investment, and innovation in driving local prosperity. Panelists will share insights on best practices, challenges, and opportunities for fostering inclusive and long-term development in diverse local contexts.

Keynote - Unlocking Latin America’s Potential
How IDB Lab drives innovation and entrepreneurship to address development challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the role of venture capital, private-sector solutions, and emerging technologies in transforming the region’s economy.

​Keynote Speaker

Irene Arias Hofman
CEO of Interamerican Development Bank LAB

Moderated by:
Fatema Sumar
Executive director of Center for International Development at Harvard Kennedy School
Speakers




Diane Davis
Professor of Regional
Planning and urbanism
Harvard Graduate School
of Design (GSD)
Juan J. Pocaterra
Co-Founder and CEO
Vikua
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Alejandra Castillo
Institute of Politics Fellow /
Former Head of Economic
Development Administration
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Ana Maria Tribin
Senior Economist World Bank /Gender Policy Specialist UNDP
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William Moloney
Chief Economist at The World Bank
Kenso Asahi
Urban Economics
Visiting professor at MIT
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Mariana Alegre
Loeb Fellow 2025 GSD
Executive Director and Founder/Ocupa Tu calle and Sistema Urbano ​
Claudia Lopez
Former Mayor of Bogota, Colombia
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Oscar Escobar
Former mayor of Palmira, Colombia
Roberto Patiño
Founder of Mi Convive and Alimenta La Solidaridad
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Mariana Alegre
PhD Candidate
Economist ​
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Javier Soria
Visiting Research Fellow Harvard Economics Department. ​
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Maria Mercedes Jaramillo
Chief LOEB Fellow 24
Secretary of Planning City of Bogota ​​
Chris Zegras
Urban Economics
Professor of Transportation and Urban Planning at MIT​​
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