Ana Abrunhosa: How Do You Make a Historic City Future-Ready?

The Century of Cities welcomes Mayor Ana Abrunhosa of Coimbra, Portugal, as part of our special series recorded in Singapore in association with the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum and the Centre for Liveable Cities. A city shaped by more than seven centuries of university life and a remarkable cultural heritage, Coimbra has spent decades confronting suburban sprawl, car dependency, industrial decline, and the challenge of bringing people back to its historic centre. Ana shares her vision for a Coimbra that is more walkable, connected, affordable, and resilient, while remaining distinctly itself. From restoring the relationship between the city and its river to strengthening regional collaboration, attracting younger generations, and making the university a more active civic partner, she explores a different model of urban leadership, one where citizens help diagnose problems, co-create solutions, and shape the city's future.