Meet the leading voices in green infrastructure. WGIC 2026 will feature international experts, innovators, and thought leaders driving the future of green infrastructure and sustainable cities.
WGIC26 will feature up to 19 keynote speakers from around the world, positioned at the forefront of research, innovation, and implementation in green infrastructure.
We are pleased to announce that the first speakers for WGIC 2026 are now confirmed.
Architect, academic, and Member of the European Parliament, Marcos Ros works at the intersection of urban policy, sustainability, housing, and the built environment, bringing a strong European institutional perspective to the future of cities.
Founder of the Urban and Territorial Ecology Foundation (FEUT), Salvador Rueda is a pioneer in urban ecology and the creator of the internationally recognised Superblocks model, which is redefining healthier and more liveable cities.
Architect and urbanist, Co-Founder of Urbanitree and Founder of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), Vicente Guallart is recognised globally for innovation in sustainable cities, advanced architecture, and urban transformation.
Architect, researcher, and Founder of ESARQ-UIC Barcelona, Alberto Estévez is a leading voice in biodigital architecture, exploring the convergence of design, biology, technology, and sustainability.
Founding Partner of Batlleiroig, architect and landscape architect Enric Batlle is internationally known for integrating architecture, landscape, and urban planning to create resilient and environmentally conscious urban environments.
Professor at the University of Hong Kong, Wendy Y. Chen specialises in urban green-blue infrastructure, focusing on how nature-based solutions improve urban sustainability, planning, and quality of life.
Executive Director of The Green Belt Movement, Dorothy Aseyo works on environmental conservation, community empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience, promoting nature-based solutions and grassroots action to build more resilient and inclusive societies.
María Buhigas is the Chief Architect of Barcelona City Council. An architect and urban planner, she brings extensive experience in urban strategy, public space, housing and city transformation, with a focus on creating more liveable, inclusive and resilient cities.
Vice President of the One Health Platform (POH), representing the Spanish Conference of Biology Deans (CEDB), and Chair Professor at the Faculty of Biology of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
M. Àngels Balsells Bailón is Rector and Chair Professor of Education at the UdL. She was the university's first Dean of the Faculty of Education and its first Chair Professor of Education. With more than 30 years of teaching experience, she has helped consolidate key degree programmes in education, educational psychology, and doctoral studies.
Cristina Martínez Aransay is Head of the Cities Area at Fundación Biodiversidad (MITECO). An architect specialising in urban renaturalisation and international cooperation, she drives strategies and initiatives to promote green infrastructure, climate resilience, and sustainable transformation in urban environments.
Victoria Pérez García is Cities Area Coordinator at Fundación Biodiversidad (MITECO). She leads urban renaturalisation and resilience initiatives through nature-based solutions, promoting green infrastructure and biodiversity to improve liveability and quality of life in cities.
Loredana Scuto is Senior Programme Officer - Urban at IUCN. A specialist in heritage and sustainable development, she drives global initiatives to integrate nature and biodiversity into urban design through nature-based solutions.
Júlia López Ventura is Regional Director for Europe at C40 Cities. Since 2015 she has supported local leaders in tackling the climate crisis, driving urban sustainability, city diplomacy, and the integration of climate action in European megacities.
Sergio Carratalá is a Civil Engineer and founder of MataAlta Studio, a regenerative design studio specialising in landscaping, biophilia, and urban green infrastructure. He integrates nature-based solutions to renaturalise cities, restore biodiversity, and create sustainable urban environments.
Luigi Petito is the Director of WGIN's European Chapter. A public affairs expert based in Brussels, he advocates before EU institutions for the systematic integration of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions into urban regulation.
Benjamin Rolles is a Policy Officer at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV). He works on the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation, promoting the renaturalisation of urban ecosystems and the expansion of green spaces in cities.
Gabriel Pérez Luque is Chair Professor of Architectural Construction at the Universitat de Lleida (UdL). A PhD in Architecture and Agronomic Engineer, his research focuses on nature-based solutions, urban green infrastructure, green roofs, and energy efficiency in sustainable building.
Steven Peck is co-founder and President of the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) and founder of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. A global pioneer in the sector, he drives policy, research, and innovation to integrate green infrastructure and nature-based solutions into cities.
This first group of speakers underscores the ambition, depth, and multidisciplinary vision of WGIC 2026, positioning it as a key forum for global urban debate.