

Leading the Way in Sustainable Real Estate: A Recap of the 43rd FIABCI Summit in Barcelona
Hosted by FIABCI-España in collaboration with API Catalunya (Col·legis i Associació d'Agents Immobiliaris de Catalunya), the 43rd FIABCI Global Leadership Summit took place in Barcelona, Spain, from December 2 to 5, 2024. This year’s edition brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore the theme "Sustainable Real Estate and Urban Growth Strategies." Known for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels, Barcelona provided an inspiring backdrop for real estate leaders to discuss sustainable development and urban growth solutions.
Distinguished Speakers
The summit featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including:
- Ramon Riera – FIABCI World President
- Joan Clos – FIABCI-España President, former Executive Director of UN-Habitat, and former Mayor of Barcelona
- Jaume Collboni – Mayor of Barcelona
- Julian Josephs – FIABCI World President 2007–2008
- Enric Massip – Architect, Professor, Researcher, and Founder of EMBA_ESTUDI MASSIP-BOSCH ARCHITECTS
- Guim Costa – Vice Dean of the Architects Association of Catalonia (COAC) and Representative of the Superior Council of the Orders of Architects of Spain (CSCAE)
Opening Reception
The event began with a cocktail reception hosted by FIABCI to welcome participants to Barcelona. The iconic Picasso Museum provided an exquisite venue for the evening, celebrating creativity and innovation in a city renowned for its architectural legacy. The reception was graced by the presence of the Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, emphasising the importance of collaboration between the real estate industry and local governments in shaping sustainable cities of the future.
Conference Program
The conference program tackled a variety of key topics, including environmentally responsible urban planning, innovative financing models, and community empowerment.
Day 1: A Deep Dive into Sustainability and Global Investment
The first day focused on how sustainable real estate practices and urban growth strategies can drive global investment. Participants explored the evolution of architectural design toward eco-friendly and sustainable solutions.
High-level international speakers shared insights on:
- Global real estate investment trends, challenges, and opportunities
- The role of real estate in facilitating global mobility
- The impact of international markets and infrastructure
A session on Saudi Arabia highlighted how Real Estate Regulations (RER) are driving growth in the region, showcasing best practices and innovation.
Other topics included:
- Regional construction challenges and cross-border collaboration
- The rise of shared spaces in reshaping modern residential and commercial environments
- Emerging trends in real estate assets, investment opportunities, and market dynamics
Day 2: Innovation, Technology, and the Future of Real Estate
The second day delved into topics such as:
- Economic trends and their impact on real estate
- The role of PropTech and AI in transforming the industry
- Insights into Panama's real estate market
- Leadership lessons from a Swedish brain scientist turned PropTech entrepreneur
Though shorter, the second day offered a packed schedule, leaving attendees with actionable insights on emerging innovations and investment opportunities.
Administrative and Internal Proceedings
During the summit’s General Assembly, delegates elected two exceptional leaders as Elected Members of the FIABCI Board of Directors: Olugbenga Ismail from FIABCI-Nigeria and Silvia Elias from FIABCI-Mexico. The federation looks forward to collaborating with these leaders to further its mission in the coming years.
Additionally, the General Assembly ratified the admission of new principal members:
- Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) as a member of FIABCI-Canada
- AVPI – Asociación Vallartense de Profesionales Inmobiliarios as a member of FIABCI-Mexico
Farewell Dinner
As is tradition, the summit concluded with a farewell dinner at the exclusive Círculo Ecuestre. This splendid event brought together participants from around the world to celebrate the summit's success and the connections forged throughout the conference.
FIABCI extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Joan Clos, President of FIABCI-España, and the Organizing Committee for their exceptional efforts in ensuring the event’s smooth execution.
Acknowledgments
The 43rd FIABCI Global Leadership Summit was made possible by the invaluable support of FIABCI’s partners and sponsors, including:
- Barcelona City Council
- API Catalunya Col·legis i Associació d'Agents Immobiliaris de Catalunya
- Marjalizo
- Eurofincas – International Real Estate
- REMAX España
- Properties Investment (Nataly Boiko)
Their dedication and commitment played a key role in bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the globe.
About the FIABCI Global Leadership Summit
The FIABCI Global Leadership Summit is an annual event that brings together professionals from the international real estate industry for insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Hosted in a different country each year, the summit highlights FIABCI’s global reach and its commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in real estate.