High-Level Dialogue: Session 2 - “Brain Economy and Brain-Positive Cities"

EMEA high-level dialogue “Brain Economy and Brain-Positive Cities: Building Urban Ecosystems for Human Flourishing, Resilience and Sustainable Development”, 06 July 2026 The second session explored how urban planning, architecture and environmental design can support brain health and wellbeing. Discussions addressed neuroarchitecture and neuroscience-informed design principles, climate-responsive urban development, healthy built environments, inclusive spaces for different populations, and nature-based solutions that can support both environmental and brain health. The session was chaired by Marco Lucisano, Senior Vice President, Built Environment, Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE). Speakers Upali Nanda, Global Sector Director, Innovation, HKS Teresa Ribeiro, President and Founder, Portuguese Academy of Neuroarchitecture Esteban Leon, Head of CRGP, UN-Habitat Discussants Hala El Khorazaty, Senior Project Designer for Health, Perkins&Will Fay Selimi, Deputy Director, European Public Law Organization (EPLO); EMEA Expert David Gow, CEO, Center for Houston’s Future Elisabeth Allen, Executive Advisor, Strategic Policy and Programs, CCSA Chandni Sondagar, Senior Knowledge Broker, CCSA The session highlighted the potential of evidence-based urban design to reduce stress, strengthen social connection, improve cognitive performance and create healthier, more accessible and resilient urban environments. Intervention by Dr. Harris Eyre Ahead of the third session, Dr. Harris Eyre, Executive Director of the Global Brain Economy Initiative and EMEA Advisor, joined the dialogue and addressed participants. His intervention connected the discussions to the broader Brain Economy agenda and the growing international effort to position brain health, brain skills and brain capital as strategic priorities for economic development, innovation and societal resilience.