RE_SOLUTION: Urban Challenges and Leadership in Lisbon

IE School of Architecture & Design is set to launch its 2026–27 RE_SOLUTION public series with a prominent lecture by Fernando Medina, who served as the Mayor of Lisbon from 2015 to 2021. This event will explore how urban centers address complex challenges through infrastructure, innovative projects, policy, and cross-sector collaboration. Following his lecture, Medina will engage in a conversation with Jo da Silva, the Global Director of Sustainable Development at Arup, offering a unique perspective on urban leadership and problem-solving.
Former Lisbon Mayor to Address Urban Challenges at IE School of Architecture & Design
On September 22, 2026, the IE School of Architecture & Design will inaugurate its 2026–27 RE_SOLUTION series with a highly anticipated appearance by Fernando Medina, the former Mayor of Lisbon. Medina, who guided the Portuguese capital through significant transformations from 2015 to 2021, will share his extensive experience and insights on how cities strategically navigate multifaceted urban problems. The discussion will encompass the crucial role of public infrastructure, the implementation of groundbreaking projects, effective policy formulation, and the power of collaborative partnerships among governmental bodies, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society. This event promises a deep dive into the intricacies of urban governance and sustainable development, culminating in a stimulating conversation between Medina and Jo da Silva, Arup's esteemed Global Director of Sustainable Development.
This event serves as an inspiring platform for future urban leaders and practitioners, highlighting the imperative of integrated approaches to city development. Medina's tenure in Lisbon offers invaluable lessons on balancing progress with sustainability, and his dialogue with Jo da Silva will undoubtedly spark new ideas and strategies for addressing the pressing issues faced by global cities today. It underscores the belief that thoughtful leadership, innovative solutions, and broad cooperation are fundamental to creating resilient and thriving urban environments.