Chris Elisara
Dr. Chris Elisara is an advocate for the revitalization of America’s cities and towns through his leadership in urban design and placemaking. His commitment to this cause is evident through his active involvement in the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), where he served on the board from 2016 to 2018. Dr. Elisara also leads on urban issues at the global level through his active participation in UN-Habitat’s World Urban Campaign (WUC) since 2015. Dr. Elisara has served as an elected member of the WUC secretariat since 2020 and currently serves as chair of the media partners group.
In addition to his roles in CNU and the World Urban Campaign, Dr. Elisara is a co-founder of First + Main Films (https://www.firstmainfilms.com), an award-winning film studio focused on civic storytelling for cities. The studio operates under the guiding principle that “a story can change a city,” aligning with Dr. Elisara’s vision and passion for designing and building cities for human thriving for all.
Expanding on the crucial role of storytelling in city building, First+Main Films established the Better Cities Film Festival (https://www.bettercitiesfilmfestival.com). Founded in 2013 in Hollywood, California, the annual flagship festival moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 2020. In 2024, the festival introduced a regional film festival in Raleigh, North Carolina, called Better Cities Film Festival South. Meanwhile, cities and organizations worldwide are hosting bespoke Better City Film Festival screenings to inspire and catalyze community conversations about their city’s future. In 2020 and 2022 UN-Habitat partnered with First+Main Films to host the UN-Habitat Better Cities Film Festival at the 10th and 11th World Urban Forums. Through all these media platforms, Dr. Elisara underscores the transformative power of narratives in shaping the future of cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
Dr. Elisara was born and raised in New Zealand and traveled to the US for his graduate education, earning an MBA in international business and a Ph.D. in cross-cultural education. He has lived in San Diego for over 25 years with his wife, Tricia, and their two sons. In his free time, Dr. Elisara enjoys backpacking, mountain biking, fly fishing, deep-sea fishing, and playing bluegrass music.
Carlos Moreno
Professor, Scientific Director of Chaire ETI “Entrepreneurship Territory Innovation” Research Lab at IAE Paris Sorbonne Business School University Paris1 Panthéon Sorbonne,
Professor IAA, International Academy of Architecture
Researcher of international renown, Carlos Moreno is Scientific director of the Chaire ETI “Entrepreneurship Territory Innovation” (Research Lab at IAE Paris Sorbonne Business School, University Paris1 Panthéon Sorbonne).
Carlos Moreno earned international recognition as a scientist with an innovative mind, pioneer works and his unique approach on urban issues. He is also a scientific advisor of national and international figures of the highest level.
He works at the heart of issues of international significance as a result of his research, bringing an innovative perspective on urban issues and offering solutions to the issues faced by the cities, metropolises and territories during the 21st century. Some of his concepts traveled the world: the ‘Human Smart City’, the ’15-Minute City’, the ’30-Minute Territory’.
- In 2022, he is leading the launch of the Global Observatory of proximities at the World Urban Forum with UN-Habitat, C40 Cities, UCLG and other partners.
- International Scientific Committee of the CNAPPC – President (Council of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects and Curators of Italy)
- American Academy of Housing and Communities – Fellow
- Sigma Xi, The American Scientific Research Honor Society – Fellow
- Jacques Rougerie Foundation, French Academy of Fine Arts – Ambassador
- 2022 UN-HABITAT Scroll of Honour Award
- 2022 International Mobility Award Madrid, Empresas por la movilidad sostenible
- 2022 FIABCI Award – World Pioneer Awards for Building Better Lives
- 2022 European Congress of Local Governments Award
- 2021 OBEL Award § 2021 Leadership Award SCEWC Barcelona
- 2019 Medal of Foresight French Academy of Architecture
- 2010 Knight of the Legion of Honour of the French Republic
Orna Rosenfeld
Global Advisor on Housing, Living and Inclusion
Dr Orna Rosenfeld B.Arch. (Hons) M.A. PhD is a distinguished global expert in urban and housing policy dedicated to diversity, equality and inclusion. As an accoladed global social impact winner, her work spans 59 countries, gracing over 100 conferences in 30+ nations, including esteemed platforms like the United Nations, European Parliament, and Capitol Hill.
Dr. Rosenfeld’s 25-year career is marked by her impactful work with various international organizations, including the European Commission, the World Bank, and the United Nations. Her expertise has been pivotal in shaping affordable housing and urban policies and strategies that address the complex challenges of urbanization in over 50 countries in the European Union, North America, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.
A respected thought leader and author, Dr. Rosenfeld has written numerous publications translated into 29 languages.
Her profound dedication to creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban environments significantly influenced policy formulation internationally and has solidified her status as a foremost expert and advocate in her field. Active internationally she has been a board and expert member of numerous expert groups including at the UN-Habitat, OECD, ESPON, UIA, CNBC, ELTI among others.
Dr. Rosenfeld’s exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honours, among them Global Social Impact Award by the British Council. Her innovative approaches and impactful work have earned her acclaim from peers and institutions worldwide, further cementing her legacy as a transformative figure in urban development.
Dr Rosenfeld holds a Doctorate in housing, urban regeneration and development from the University of Westminster in London. A Chevening Scholar, she holds an M.A. in Planning Research and Theory from the University of Sheffield and a magna cum laude degree in Architecture from the Technion – IIT. In addition to her advisory work, Dr Rosenfeld is committed to scientific research and education. She has inspired countless students and professionals through her teaching engagements at prestigious universities and institutions internationally.
In 2021, Dr Rosenfeld launched the Inclusive Urban Futures think-thank and podcast, uniting leaders across disciplines and geographies envisioning the cities of tomorrow.
Jad Tabet
Tabet is the Past-President of Lebanese Federation of Engineers and Architects (2017-2021) and of the Organization of Arab Architects (2017-2020), former Member of UNESCO World Heritage Committee (2001-2005 and 2013-2017) and Honorary President of ICOMOS LEBANON. He was also Member of UNESCO Group on Modern Urban and Architectural Heritage in the Arab Region (2012-2017) and of UNESCO Expert Group on Historic Urban Landscapes (2006-2011).
An architect and planner working between Beirut and Paris, his practice extends over several dimensions of design and research, spanning across the fields of historic urban landscapes, public space design, the rehabilitation and revitalization of traditional urban fabrics, the development of strategies for sustainable community growth as well as social housing and public facilities. His distinguished practice in the field has earned him numerous awards, notably the Medal of the French Académie d’Architecture and the National Council of French Architects in 2014 and the Distinguished Alumni Award delivered by the FEA- American University of Beirut in 2003.
Tabet is currently Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture-American University of Beirut. He taught architecture at the National Institute of Fine Arts-Lebanese University, the Belleville School of Architecture-Paris and served as distinguished Faculty at the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA- Sciences Po Paris).