Female Leadership in Urban Transformation: The Vision of Mercè Conesa

In this episode of ODS5, the Zona Franca Barcelona podcast focused on female talent, we are joined by Mercè Conesa, a leader in public management and urban development, currently the CEO of Barcelona Global. Conesa shares her extensive career, highlighting her key role in the transformation of infrastructure in Catalonia and her commitment to positioning Barcelona as a global city leader in talent and economic activity.

During the conversation, Mercè reflects on SDG 5 (Gender Equality), recalling her participation in United Nations meetings to discuss the new Urban Agenda. Despite the progress made, she identifies “clouds on the horizon” that could threaten the advancement of gender policies, especially in a year marked by numerous global electoral processes.

Conesa also analyzes the situation of women in public administration and the private sector, emphasizing the importance of gender parity not only in visible government positions but also at intermediate levels. She highlights that diversity is key to innovation and competitiveness, both in government and in the private sector.

Finally, Mercè shares her personal experience of breaking through glass ceilings in her career and offers an inspiring message to women and girls: never give up in the face of difficulties, as each step forward is built on the struggles of previous generations.