Mihai Jurca (b. 1984) is an expert in public administration and local development, currently serving as Head of the Chancellery of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.

Previously, he served as Presidential Adviser to Interim President Ilie Bolojan, leading the Department of Administration, Public Policies and Civil Society.

From 2020 to March 2025, he held the position of City Manager of Oradea, overseeing key structures and services of the local administration, including the Directorate for Internationally Funded Project Management, the Oradea Local Public Transport Company, the Oradea Local Development Agency SA, the Public Relations Service and Visit Oradea.

He served as a member of the Board of Directors of Oradea Airport and the public company Air Oradea (from September 2021), and subsequently also as interim Director General of the Oradea Local Development Agency SA — an entity with a significant role in managing industrial parks in Bihor County, attracting foreign investment and promoting local companies in international markets (from September 2024).

He began his professional career in 2007 at Oradea City Hall, working in European-funded project management. He subsequently held positions as a European projects expert at the Oradea Metropolitan Area and as a development manager at the Local Development Agency SA.

In 2014, he was appointed to develop the Visit Oradea destination management organisation, a public-private partnership dedicated to tourism development and strengthening the city’s cultural profile.

Mihai Jurca holds a degree in International Relations and European Studies from the National School of Political and Administrative Studies, a Master’s in Political, Economic and Social Communication from the University of Oradea, and an Executive Master’s in Public Administration from the Hertie School in Berlin.

Marcel Ionescu-Heroiu works as Senior Urban Development Specialist in the World Bank office in Bucharest, Romania. Some of the key areas Marcel has worked on include: urban and regional development policy and competitiveness; the management of EU Operational Programmes; project prioritization; local and regional governance; sustainable development and climate change; and brownfields redevelopment. Marcel has led or contributed to projects in: Romania, Poland, Turkey, the US, Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, India, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Croatia.

Marcel received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and holds a Ph.D. in Regional Development from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.

Raluca Munteanu is Development Director at IULIUS, working at the intersection of urban regeneration and community engagement, with a focus on large-scale urban transformation projects.
She works with complex teams — public institutions, NGOs, architects, urban planners and financial partners — to develop initiatives that contribute to improving quality of life and fostering inclusive urban development.
With international experience and a solid background in real estate, she remains closely connected to civic initiatives and collaborations with the NGO sector, contributing to the development of relevant and sustainable urban concepts.
She believes that cities are built not only from concrete, but from ideas, people and dialogue.

Venera Vlad is responsible for Infrastructure business in Romania and Bulgaria at the
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a portfolio of approximately EUR 1
billion of investments, including loans to local authorities, municipal utilities and companies as
well as private sector financing.

Prior to joining EBRD in 2008, Mrs Vlad worked for the Romanian Ministry of Environment
as Programming Director for European Funds; in this capacity she developed large scale
programmes, leading to EUR 6 billion investments in the municipal and environmental
infrastructure.

She is double graduate from the Engineering University and the Academy of Economic Studies
in Bucharest. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Marcelo Castellanos is IFC’s Senior Regional Manager for Southeastern Europe, overseeing IFC’s strategy and business, as well as managing key client relationships across Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia.

Based in Bucharest, he oversees IFC's regional efforts to spur private sector growth and attract private investment in key areas, including connectivity, inclusion and climate resilience.
Prior to this role, Mr. Castellanos spent 19 years in IFC of FIG investment operations in Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe.  Previous experience in commercial banking in C-level positions.

Ms. Zinchuk has over 27 years of professional experience, of which nearly 10 years in management and leadership roles within EBRD. She has strong track record in originating, structuring and implementation of investment transactions across various sectors in EBRD region. Victoria also has extensive and successful hands-on experience in leading policy dialogue, developing and implementing sector and country strategies as well as representing EBRD with government authorities, business counterparts and the media. Prior to being appointed as Director for Romania on 1st September 2023, Victoria was the Regional Director for Central Europe covering Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovak Republic.

Marius Persenea has 20 years of experience in national and international financing and has been part of the Iulius team since 2017. Iulius company is the largest developer and operator of mixed-use urban regeneration projects in Romania, with an operational portfolio comprising more than 300,000 sqm of retail premises and 152,000 sqm of Class A office spaces.

Marius is currently the Chief Operating Officer for the development arm of Iulius, with a focus on securing group funding. Over the years, Marius Persenea was involved in cross-border corporate real estate transactions exceeding €1.7 billion in 7 countries across the EU, the US, and Japan, with institutional or private investors. He also held various positions in transaction management, risk management, and debt capital markets departments with regional and global financial institutions.

Dan-Adrian Chelaru is a sustainability specialist with a career and academic background centered on environmental science and sustainability. He has solidified his expertise through a series of undergraduate and postgraduate studies that have directly shaped his professional trajectory.

With over 10 years of experience in both academic and professional sectors, he has coordinated numerous strategic planning projects focused on sustainability for both public and private entities. These include sustainable development strategies, sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMP), energy efficiency programs, and green space registries—all initiatives with a positive impact on local communities.

Currently, he serves as the Group Sustainability Officer at IULIUS, where he is responsible for developing the group’s sustainability strategy and coordinating the implementation of its action plan. In this role, he ensures that IULIUS’s commitment to sustainability is translated into concrete results.

He is deeply dedicated to the cause of sustainability and constantly strives to contribute actively toward building a better future.

Ciprian Ciucu has been the General Mayor of Bucharest since December 19, 2025. He also serves as the First Vice-President of the National Liberal Party (PNL), which is affiliated with the European People’s Party (EPP).

From October 2020 to December 2025, he served as the Mayor of Bucharest’s Sector 6. He was elected to his second term, of which he served a year and a half, with 73% of the vote—a result attributed to the record speed at which he managed to develop and transform the face of Sector 6.

Prior to being elected mayor, Ciprian Ciucu was the President of the National Agency of Civil Servants (2019–2020). He has extensive experience in Public Administration dating back to 2000, during his Master’s studies in Public Policy at the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA). This expertise includes work with civil society and consultancy in public administration.

He was the co-founder and director of the Romanian Center for European Policies (CRPE), one of Romania’s most prominent think tanks (2009–2015), and he established the Center for Urban and Territorial Development (2014–2019).

As a consultant, he has over 10 years of experience in public administration reform projects funded by a wide range of institutions, including the European Commission, the World Bank, and UK Aid. He has participated in projects across Eastern Europe (Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine) and the Western Balkans (Kosovo).

Between 2007 and 2013, he was an associate lecturer at the University of Bucharest, where he taught project management. Over time, he has also served as a trainer for various public administration programs, possessing rich experience in public policy development, public management, and strategic planning.

His first contact with politics occurred in 2000, when he worked in the Public Relations department of the Romanian Presidency.

Constantin Toma is the Mayor of Buzău, currently serving his third term. An engineer by training and an entrepreneur with extensive experience leading an industrial holding with over 5,000 employees and a turnover exceeding 300 million euros, Constantin Toma has brought a performance- and innovation-oriented vision to public administration. Under his leadership, the Buzău City Hall adopted Kaizen management, the city positioned itself as a national hub for the circular economy, and was selected for the M100 project to transition toward climate neutrality by 2035.

Lucian Patrașcu is the Deputy Mayor of Brașov, having previously served as the Sub-prefect of Brașov County, Secretary of State, and local counselor. He holds a PhD in Accounting and a Master’s degree in National Security. A chartered accountant by profession, he has an extensive academic background as a university lecturer and educator, complemented by solid experience in public administration and the economic sector.

Lucian Daniel Stanciu Viziteu has been the Mayor of Bacău since 2020.

He holds a degree in engineering and two master’s degrees in market finance and statistics. Before entering politics, he worked in the private sector, gaining significant experience in management and business.

He was elected as a Deputy in the Romanian Parliament on behalf of the Save Romania Union (USR) for the 2016–2020 term. During this period, he distinguished himself through his involvement in projects related to transparency, anti-corruption, and administrative reform.

In 2020, he ran for the office of Mayor of Bacău and won the local elections, taking over the mandate as the city’s leader. In 2024, he secured his second term.

As mayor, his goals include revitalizing investments, attracting business owners, modernizing city infrastructure, digitalizing the administration, and improving public services.

Lucian Viziteu is perceived as a representative of the new generation of politicians, focused on reform and administrative efficiency.

Maximilian continuously strives to improve his approach to design for current and future needs while promoting sustainable and innovative construction methods. He was involved in a series of masterplan projects starting with Masdar City, Kuwait University and Tripoli Marina. In 2009 he then joined the Apple Park that became the best office building in the world. Maximilian has also led a series of retail stores for Apple, worked on a sustainable masterplan in Hainan and completed a high end private residential project in San Francisco. Recent projects include leading the design for the Santa Clara Masterplan, the Constanta redevelopment, one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects and a series of luxury Resorts in Saudi Arabia such as Southern Dunes and Shura Island.

Nick leads the Foster + Partners Landscape Design team, promoting the careful consideration of
landscape and ecological issues in all Foster + Partners concepts. The team strives for sensitive
ecological design responses that respect both people and the environment, planning landscapes
for environmental resilience, future flexibility and social diversity.

Professor Stefan Behling is a Head of Studio, member of the Design Board and was responsible
for Integrated Design and Innovative Construction at the University of Stuttgart from 1995 to
2010. He is a passionate advocate for sustainable design, renewable energy and solar energy and
has written a book called Sol Power: the Evolution of Sustainable Design with Sophia Behling in
1996. Daylight and artificial lighting have been a strong interest since the beginning of his career.
These themes, in addition to natural ventilation and human-centric design, have been prevalent in
all his projects. An influential TEDx talk called Architecture and the Science of the Senses, given in
2016, illustrates some of his thinking.

In his early career, he worked on the Reichstag, the new German Parliament in Berlin, the
Commerzbank Headquarters in Frankfurt, multiple projects in Duisburg, the Free University, Berlin,
the Lenbachhaus in Munich, and the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking.
Stefan has since been responsible for several international projects with a wide range of scale:
from masterplans to skyscrapers, airports, and exclusive private homes. A few highlights include:
Apple Park in Cupertino, a large portfolio of Apple stores around the world, headquarters for Apple
and Bloomberg in London, which won the Stirling Prize in 2018, Kuwait International Airport and
Techo International Airport in Cambodia and many luxury resorts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Besides a core team of architects in London, he is also responsible for international offices in
Kuwait and San Francisco.

Stefan has combined the leadership of major projects with the creation of in-house systems and
teams to promote environmental design across the practice. He initiated the practice’s Materials
Research Centre, one of the largest material libraries in the world, to harness the potential of the
latest material advances. He is also responsible for the Specialist Modelling Group, whose input
and review uses scientific facts and information to ensure an evidence-based design process. The
group also leads the practice’s work in Space Architecture, partnering with ESA and NASA to bring
elements of human centric design and wellbeing to their projects.

Susanne has worked on buildings and masterplans for educational, cultural, corporate and
clients. She joined Foster + Partners in 2003 after studying architecture at the Technical
University of Munich and the University of Bath. Her final project won an award for the best
collaboration between students of architecture and structural engineering. This project
informs her work at Foster + Partners, where she researches and implements integrated
solutions to complex problems. Susanne played a key role in the fit-out of the office and
laboratory areas for Apple Park in California. More recently, she has been involved in
hospitality projects on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. She is also a co-chair of the
Parents’ and Carers’ Forum at Foster + Partners.

Irina Munteanu joined the Veolia Romania team in 2008, bringing solid expertise in tax consultancy, international reporting, and financial management, backed by specialized studies in Europe. Over the years, she has significantly contributed to the company’s evolution, coordinating major projects in transformation, operational integration, and digitalization.

Currently, as Deputy CEO of Veolia Romania, she plays a vital role in the strategic direction of the group’s companies in Romania, developing new business lines and consolidating Veolia’s position as a leader in ecological transformation on the local market. Additionally, she serves as Deputy CFO for Central and Eastern Europe within the Veolia Group.

Valentin Zaharia joined the Veolia Romania team in 2012, having completed extensive studies in fields such as Hydrotechnical Works and Construction, Hydraulic Engineering, and Civil and Building Services Engineering at the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest.

In his role as Technical and Performance Director of Veolia Romania, he is responsible for enhancing the performance of current operations, conducting technical audits, and implementing digital solutions and renewable energy projects across all companies within the Veolia Romania Group. Simultaneously, he coordinates major development projects and strategic partnerships for the company’s business lines at the local level.

Alexandru Băloi has been the Director of the Business Division at Vodafone Romania since January 2026. He returned to Vodafone from the position of CEO of M247 Global, where he defined the company’s strategic direction by consolidating operational performance and driving accelerated global growth.

Previously, he coordinated Microsoft’s strategic partnerships in Central Europe, making significant contributions to large-scale technology adoption initiatives for both the business environment and the public sector.

With over 20 years of experience in telecommunications, technology, and digital transformation, his professional journey includes numerous leadership roles within Vodafone Romania, across both the Consumer and Business segments. His most recent position within the company prior to his current appointment was Director of the Small and Medium Business division from 2019 to 2022, a role in which he led the development strategy for the B2B portfolio and digital solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Liviu-Gabriel Baicu is a licensed architect and urban planner with over twenty years of experience in architectural design, project management and urban mobility planning in transport and infrastructure projects. As CEO of GLB TRANSARK SRL, he leads multidisciplinary teams in the development of infrastructure and railway projects throughout Romania, integrating technical, economic and environmental solutions. He holds a master’s degree inSustainable Integration of Railway Transport Systems and another master’s degree in urban Regeneration around Intermodal Nodes from the Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism. His academic role as a university assistant in Architectural Synthesis complements his professional practice, promoting interdisciplinary thinking in design. He is also a published author and speaker at international conferences, with notable contributions in the field of railway station architecture and urban form. His work reflects a commitment to improving quality of life through urban dynamics, preserving local identity, and promoting sustainable development through innovative design and strategic planning.

Laurentiu Marculescu has 31 years’ experience in Railway Track domain, including 31 years of experience as design engineer and more than 5 years teaching as associate teacher.

Laurentiu is doctor engineer since 2004. Laurentiu previously lectured at Ecological University of Bucharest – Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Management, at University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest – Faculty of Land Reclamation and Environmental Engineering., and at Constructions Technical University of Bucharest – Railways Roads and Bridges Faculty.

Laurentiu worked on four companies of design and consulting: ISPCF (Railway Design and Studies Institute) – 10 years project manager; S.C. CONSIS PROIECT S.R.L. – 4 years; S.C. VIOTOP S.R.L. – 3 years; S.C. BAICONS IMPEX S.R.L. – 14 years.

Currently, Laurentiu Marculescu is the general manager of S.C. BAICONS IMPEX S.R.L.

Between the years 2016 – 2021 Laurentiu Marculescu was President of the Romanian Geosynthetic Association. From 2021 to present Laurentiu Marculescu is Vicepresident of the Romanian Geosynthetic Association.

Anda Zota (b. 1992) is an architect and co-founder of the award-winning studio AÉ02, where she explores the forms of dialogue between architecture, design and art. Since 2021, she has led igloo media, one of Romania’s most relevant independent architecture publications, continuing to articulate the connections between practice, editorial culture and visual culture. Her work brings together architects, designers and artists in collaborative contexts — from editorial projects and exhibitions to architecture and interior design.

Kip Sheppard is a senior leader at the Wasatch Group with extensive experience in the development, operation, and long-term stewardship of affordable and mixed-income multifamily housing across the United States. In his role, Mr. Sheppard has been deeply involved in translating Wasatch’s long-term ownership philosophy into day-to-day operational practice, with a particular focus on sustaining affordability, asset quality, and community stability over time. Mr. Sheppard has worked across the full lifecycle of affordable housing assets, including development execution, lease-up, property and asset management, capital improvements, and regulatory compliance. He has significant hands-on experience with projects financed through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programme and other public-private housing structures, and has played a key role in ensuring that affordability commitments are met while maintaining strong financial and operational performance. Mr. Sheppard is based in San Clemente, California. He is a Member of the Board of Directors at USA Surfing, the official ISA-recognized national governing body for surfing in the United States.

Ecaterina Chirilenco is the representative of AREI (the Romanian Real Estate Investors Association). Her work as Head of Public Affairs at AREI focuses on housing market dynamics, real estate development, and the regulatory framework affecting residential and urban projects, contributing to professional dialogue and the promotion of sustainable market practices.

Orsolya Mária Kövér currently serves as State Secretary at the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration, where she oversees the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, as well as urban planning, construction, and policy directorates. Previously, she acted as personal counselor to the Minister (2021–2023), contributing to the design of new NRRP investment mechanisms and regulatory frameworks for urban development, construction, and housing.

Trained as an architect, she holds a degree from the Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urban Planning and specialized in architectural restoration through Babeș‑Bolyai University. Alongside her public service, she brings substantial private‑sector experience, having led architectural projects in Romania and internationally.

Ivana Katuric is professor at UNIRI and director of Urbanex, an independent think thank, research and consultancy organisation specialising in sustainable urban development. She is an expert in housing systems, affordable and social housing, and sustainable urbanisation, with experience advising the EIB, World Bank, CEB, EBRD, and the European Commission.

She serves on the Housing Advisory Board (HAB) of the European Commission and has contributed to key European initiatives, including the European Urban Initiative and the Urban Agenda for the EU.

Adriana PĂCURARU has relevant experience in public administration and European funds management. She currently coordinates the activities of the Programming Directorate within the department responsible for the national coordination of the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Social Climate Fund.

Gabriela Maftei-Paraschiv is an architect and designer with international experience, having been involved in projects across seven countries in Europe and the Near East, specializing in office interior design. Her approach blends conceptual creativity with technical rigor, transforming initial ideas into balanced, coherent, and functional spaces. Every project prioritizes the harmony between aesthetics and performance, placing the user experience and quality of execution at the forefront.

Elis Hairi is an Architect and Design Director with over 7 years of experience in large-scale office interior design projects. He coordinates complex projects, emphasizing the balance between design, functionality, and user experience.

In his role as BIM Manager, he integrates digital processes into design and coordinates multidisciplinary teams. His primary focus is on creating flexible, efficient workspaces that foster collaboration, creativity, and well-being.

Andrei Bodnar is an architect and co-founder of ECHO, a Iași-based studio that explores architecture and urbanism through projects that transcend object design, focusing instead on research and strategies for local and metropolitan development. The firm’s practice emphasizes the impact of public space interventions and their role in crafting more human-centric experiences.

He is actively involved in strategic planning and urban transformation projects, collaborating with local administrations and international organizations. This expertise is complemented by his experience as a consultant on strategic projects for the World Bank, where he contributes to the development of initiatives designed for cities in transition.

In his role as Vice President of the Order of Architects of Romania (OAR) – Iași Branch, he coordinates initiatives that bring architecture closer to the community and promotes the quality of the built environment as an essential element of urban life. At TILIA – Romania’s Cities Summit, he will present the vision for the Iași Metropolitan Masterplan, a strategic tool for coordinating metropolitan development and connecting the city to regional and European dynamics.

Dr Tzanidaki holds an LLB in Law, an MBA in Law and a PhD in community engagement models as a measure to ensure efficiency in the public health and social care sector. She is a PPP expert and has been involved in infrastructure advisory from lenders’, public and private sector perspective in the past 20 years in the UK and Greece.

Her expertise spans across multiple sectors such as urban regeneration, social infrastructure, resource management and RES. Dr Tzanidaki leads EBRD’s Greek PPP Preparation Facility since 2021 currently supporting a portfolio of 13 PPPs of a total CAPEX of EUR 2,5 billion. She leads EBRD’s PPP Advisory in CSEE and Ukraine.

Roxana Patricia Brohanschi is a cultural manager, entrepreneur, and communication and PR specialist with over ten years of experience in the design, production, and management of cultural projects and large-scale national and international events.

A graduate of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social-Political Sciences—specializing in Communication and Public Relations—at the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, and holding a Master’s degree in Advertising, PR, and Human Resources Management, Roxana blends her academic background with solid practice in the creative, cultural, and educational industries.

At the age of 23, she chose the path of cultural entrepreneurship by founding Showberry, a start-up financed through European funds, which has since become a key player in event production in North-Eastern Romania. Her work includes organizing concerts, festivals, corporate events, interdisciplinary artistic productions, and collaborations with numerous companies in the IT and creative sectors.

She is the co-founder and director of Rocanotherworld, a festival with a strong community identity focused on sustainability, social responsibility, and authentic cultural experiences. She is also the co-founder and director of Classix Festival, an international classical music festival with a contemporary and interdisciplinary approach. Since 2018, she has served as the President and General Manager of the Creative Industries Association, an organization through which she has initiated and coordinated cultural, educational, and social projects with national and international impact.

Her professional journey is complemented by experience in large-scale event production, user experience (UX), artistic coordination, cultural communication, and fundraising. Additionally, she has initiated and coordinated projects funded by AFCN (The Administration of the National Cultural Fund), EEA and Norway Grants, and other European funding programs.

Her involvement in non-formal education, international cultural exchanges, and the training of young professionals has shaped an applied vision of event management focused on strategy, production, teamwork, audience engagement, sustainability, and long-term impact.

Theatre Specialist, Professor (PhD Habil.) at UNAGE Iași and UBB Cluj-Napoca, Manager of the Luceafărul Theatre in Iași

Teodora Popescu co-founded the În Dialog Association alongside her colleague and friend, Raluca Bejenariu. Within the association, she contributed to the initiation and consolidation of the Hearing Voices Romania network. Since 2021, she has been part of the organizing team for the Romanian Mental Health Film Festival, the first film festival in Romania dedicated to mental health, held annually in May in Iași.

She is a therapist and constantly trains herself to be comfortable with having more questions than answers and to remain tolerant of the uncertainty inherent in the process of finding solutions.

Claudiu-Daniel Salanță is an architect and urban planner serving as the Chief Architect of Cluj County. He is recognized for his integrative vision of territorial development and his active involvement in simplifying administrative processes related to construction permitting and urban planning.

A graduate of the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urban Planning in Bucharest, Claudiu-Daniel Salanță has accumulated significant experience in public administration, with a focus on adapting the development of the built environment to the local context, particularly in rural areas.

In his capacity as Chief Architect, he has been involved in strategic projects aimed at the digitalization of administrative processes, integrated urban planning, and enhancing the overall quality of architecture.

She is an architectural researcher at the University of Pavia, Italy, and the Principal Investigator of the WaterMitCities project—funded by Fondazione Cariplo. Her research explores how the natural water cycle can be reintegrated into public space design as a tool for thermal mitigation and climate adaptation.

Her work brings together architecture, ecology, and participatory urban governance to develop Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for mid-sized European cities, with a specific focus on reducing heat exposure through hydric design, blue-green infrastructure, and inclusive co-design methodologies.

A geographer and adjunct professor at the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași, holding a PhD in Geography and a Master’s degree in Urban Mobility from the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urban Planning in Bucharest.

He is an expert in territorial planning, urban mobility, and GIS, with extensive experience in developing urban mobility plans, urban masterplans, and territorial development strategies. He was a member of the team that developed the Iași Metropolitan Transport Masterplan in collaboration with the World Bank.

A former Secretary of State at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, he is also a founding member and Vice President of the “Moldova Vrea Autostradă” (Moldova Wants a Highway) Civic Association.

Alexandrina Dinga is the Executive President of the CIVICA Association and has been active in the field of community and urban development for over 15 years. Through her work, she promotes good governance, civic engagement, and collaborative models between citizens, public administration, and the private sector, contributing to the development of more responsible and sustainable communities.

Roxana Frățilă is a Real Estate and Construction Partner at CMS Romania, with over 20 years of experience assisting international and local investors in the acquisition and development of real estate projects. Her activity covers asset and share deals, greenfield and brownfield developments, as well as projects in the logistics, industrial, critical infrastructure, and hospitality/hotel sectors, with a strong focus on urban planning, permitting, and implementation.

Additionally, Roxana has a solid practice in configuring and negotiating the legal framework of projects, including public-private partnership (PPP) structures, contributing to functional solutions for her clients and the development of long-term sustainable projects in Romania.

Mirko Franzoi is a transport planner with 15 years of experience in mobility planning, working on projects that combine transport strategy, urban transformation, and sustainability.

Since 2014, he has been collaborating with MIC-HUB, contributing to a wide range of international projects across Europe, the United States, and Asia.

He has worked with leading architectural and design firms, including Foster + Partners, BIG, and OMA, developing mobility concepts and planning strategies at different scales, always with a strong focus on creating more livable and sustainable cities.

His experience includes projects such as the Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester, the redevelopment of Piazzale Loreto in Milan, and the curation of the MIC-HUB exhibition at the 2019 Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture in Shenzhen.

He sees mobility as a key tool for shaping better cities, where innovation, sustainability, and urban quality are closely connected.

Sebastian Săvescu is an architect and urban planner with over 20 years of experience, co-founder of the SAM ideas studio in Iași and Vice President of OAR Iași. His work combines design practice with a constant engagement in the core themes of the profession—ranging from architectural quality and responsibility toward the built environment to fostering dialogue between the professional guild, public institutions, and new generations of architects.

His professional portfolio includes projects in education, healthcare, and urban development, all supported by an approach rooted in clarity, balance, respect, and accountability. Since 2025, he has been the founder of the Association of Architecture Firms in Iași.

Lucian Sfîcă is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Geography and Geology of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași and the Principal Investigator of the MOBCLIM research project. His scientific activity focuses on urban climate dynamics, bioclimatology, and the fine-scale assessment of Urban Heat Island effects in North-Eastern Romania, producing some of the most detailed local climate data available for the Iași metropolitan area. His research provides the empirical foundation upon which evidence-based urban heat mitigation strategies are built.

Lucian advocates for sustainable development and public policies that are friendly to both people and the environment. A proponent of alternative mobility, he has been using a bicycle daily for nearly 20 years. Lucian believes that the way we build cities today is a direct reflection of how our communities will look in the years to come.

A relentless explorer of the geography of lesser-known places, Lucian can be found anywhere from the Bahlui Valley to the most remote corners of the world.

He is the founder of the tourism promotion association Iasi.travel and a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Geography and Geology, UAIC Iași, where he researches urban systems and their operational mechanisms. He holds a PhD in the field of urban quality of life, focusing on the role of geographical spatial planning in determining overall well-being.

Amelia Gheorghiță has been the PR officer for the National Museum of Romanian Literature in Iași since 2013. With 15 years of experience in event management and PR, she is responsible for the communication and promotion of the FILIT – Iași International Festival of Literature and Translation.

She coordinates several cultural projects, including Șotron: Childhood Festival and Street Delivery Iași. Much of her work is dedicated to developing cultural infrastructure and facilitating partnerships, and she is particularly interested in exploring art as a means to mitigate social inequalities.

Raluca Bejenariu is a psychotherapist. She has a long-standing and constant passion for people, the relationships between them, and the relationship each person has with themselves. She enjoys creating contexts for dialogue, driven by the conviction that when we speak and act together, we can more easily navigate the difficult moments we encounter.

In 2016, she founded the În Dialog Association, and since 2022, she has been the co-founder of the Romanian Mental Health Film Festival.

Charles Montgomery is an award-winning author, urbanist and leader of experiments to improve wellbeing in cities around the world. His acclaimed book, Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design, examines the intersection between urban design and the emerging science of happiness. Charles founded the interdisciplinary team, Happy Cities, which helps city-builders on four continents achieve healthier, happier, more inclusive societies. His collaborators have include the World Health Organization, the Guggenheim Museum, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and governments in Vancouver, Auckland, Mexico City, Denver and Dubai. Charles is a fellow of the Centre for Conscious Design. In 2023, Planetizen magazine named Charles one of the 100 most influential urbanists in the world. His new book on designing for trust will appear in 2026. www.happycities.com @charlesincities

Alina Kasprovschi is a founding member and Executive Director of the Bucharest Community Foundation, which she has led since its establishment, and has served as President of the Federation of Community Foundations in Romania since 2025. She has ten years of prior experience in marketing and communications and holds an MBA from Maastricht University.

Alexandra coordinates the sustainability team at ING Bank Romania, a team that manages the bank’s social involvement while connecting the specialists driving the bank’s transition toward a green economy.

With 10 years of experience in social project management, communication, and CSR, she has been part of the ING team since 2018. In her role, she develops and implements initiatives that contribute to environmental protection, the financial health of Romanians, and support for civil society and vulnerable groups.

Despina Ponomarenco is a central figure in Romania’s real estate landscape, with more than twenty years of experience in the field. As the founder of the Bucharest Real Estate Club (BREC) and the Romania Property Club (RPC), Despina has transformed these platforms into the country’s most active professional associations, fostering strategic dialogue among private investors, consultants, and public authorities.

Through more than ten annual events and campaigns held in Romania’s major urban centers—Bucharest, Cluj, Iași, Timișoara, Brașov, and Constanța—she contributes directly to raising the quality of urban development and stimulating transaction volumes. Her educational vision took shape in the Real Estate Academy, the first private program of its kind in Romania, which has already reached its sixth edition.

She holds a degree in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Communication and Public Relations from SNSPA, combining business expertise with high-impact strategic communication.

Dan Bărbulescu is the director of the Parcul Natural București association. He holds a doctorate in environmental sciences and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Bucharest. He has worked in the NGO sector for 20 years and in nature conservation for 15 years. He has coordinated dozens of projects dedicated to urban nature and, together with his colleagues, successfully established Romania’s first urban nature park — Văcărești Natural Park — as well as the locally protected area Pajiștea Petricani, both located in Bucharest.

Diana Culescu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture and a Master’s degree in Integrated Urban Development. In 2015, she earned her PhD in Horticulture with the thesis “Developing a method for analyzing the quality of urban green spaces.” Her professional activity, primarily carried out within RPR Birou de studii contemporane, focuses on landscape architecture design, landscape management, and the management of sustainable and inclusive cities.

Between 2016 and 2022, Diana Culescu served as the President of the Romanian Association of Landscape Architects (AsoP), and from 2020 to 2025, she held the position of Secretary General of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA Europe). Within the national professional organization, she is actively involved in projects and activities aimed at regulating, protecting, and promoting the landscape architecture profession and the landscape field in Romania. Furthermore, her active involvement in the NGO sector since 2005—through projects, workshops, conferences, and other initiatives—serves as a vital platform for raising public awareness regarding landscape and environmental issues.

Emil Ivănescu is an architect, graduating in 2004 from the Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urban Planning (UAUIM), with a doctorate in architecture. He is a university lecturer and served two terms as Vice-President of the Bucharest Branch of the Order of Architects of Romania. He currently serves as President of the Order of Architects of Romania, Bucharest Branch.

Matei Bogoescu holds a Master of Arts in Architecture from the Accademia di Architettura Mendrisio (Switzerland) and a post-graduate Master of Science in Urbanism from Delft University of Technology (Netherlands). He is a member of the Order of Architects of Romania (OAR) and the Register of Urbanists of Romania (RUR), a senior partner at 4B – Arhitectură, and a founding member of the association BAZA – deschidem orașul.

Tamina Lolev is an architect with extensive experience in urban regeneration, serving as a co-founder and project leader at Nod Makerspace. She works at the intersection of design, community, and urban development, creating projects that bring people closer to the spaces they inhabit. One of her flagship programs, developed alongside various partners and stakeholders, is “Dâmbovița Apă Dulce” (Dâmbovița Sweet Water)—an initiative focused on reconnecting residents with the city’s river and natural environment.

Adrian Mironescu is a strategic designer and the founder of Optimism Works, a strategic branding studio focused on civic, urban, and impact-driven projects, and a Gold winner at the Transform Awards for city branding.

He also serves as a branding consultant for the World Bank and is the creator of the REGENERA Living Hourglass concept—the first biotechnological urban landmark in Iași and a symbol of the Iași 2035 mission for climate neutrality. He believes that design is a form of active optimism and that the future is not something to wait for, but something to build.

For 14 years, Mona led the Sustainability and CSR Department at OMV Petrom S.A., the largest energy company in Southern and Southeastern Europe. During her tenure, she created “Țara lui Andrei” (Andrei’s Country), Romania’s largest and most renowned corporate social responsibility platform.

Since 2015, she has been personally involved in several initiatives regarding vocational education in Romania and represented the country for four years as a vocational education ambassador at the EU’s “European Vocational Skills Week.”

Today, she is an entrepreneur, serving as a consultant in sustainability, communication, and CSR. She is also a broadcaster focusing on sustainability and the environment, hosting “Misiunea Verde” (Green Mission) on Radio Europa FM and “Picătura de sustenabilitate” (The Drop of Sustainability) on TVR.

Over the years, Mona has received numerous awards for her CSR and sustainability projects, both individually and as part of her team.

Irina Păcurariu is a TV director and producer, podcast host and MC for summits and major business events. The first Romanian reporter with a documentary filmed in the Himalayas, she has won over six APTR awards, Journalist of the Year and the National Film Council Award. She has produced landmark programs on public television and has attended training courses at BBC, Discovery Campus and ARD. Founding member of FEPIC and organizer of Romanian Creative Week, she remains, above all, a tenacious seeker of authentic stories.