Keynote Speakers
One of the defining elements of FIABCI World Congresses is the quality of its speakers. Our stage brings together internationally renowned thought leaders, industry pioneers and decision-
makers who are shaping the future of leadership to inspire across markets and continents.
We are proud to present an outstanding lineup of speakers who will shape this year’s congress with their expertise, insights and experience.
Hereby we present visionary voices who will share insights, challenge perspectives, and inspire meaningful dialogue within our global community.
Our invited experts come from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, bringing together innovative ideas, cutting-edge research and practical perspectives.
Spread the conference program in your community, take part in inspiring discussions and benefit from valuable exchange throughout the congress.
Speakers Announcements
Anacláudia Rossbach
Executive Director
of UN-Habitat
A leading voice in global urban development, dedicated to advancing inclusive cities, sustainable housing, and resilient urban communities worldwide.
Anacláudia Rossbach is the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), appointed at the Under-Secretary-General level in 2024. As an economist she brings more than two decades of experience working on housing, informal settlements, and urban development policies across the globe.
Throughout her career, Rossbach has collaborated with governments, international organizations, and local communities to design and implement strategies that address urban inequality, improve housing conditions, and promote inclusive urban development. Her work focuses particularly on informal settlements, social housing, and the role of cities in shaping sustainable and resilient societies.
Before joining UN-Habitat, she served as Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. She previously held leadership roles at Cities Alliance, where she supported housing and urban policy initiatives across the region, and at the World Bank, where she worked as a Senior Housing Specialist advising governments on large-scale housing and urban upgrading programs in countries including Brazil, India, Mozambique, the Philippines, and South Africa. Rossbach also worked for the Municipality of São Paulo and founded the NGO Interação, affiliated with Slum Dwellers International, leading projects to improve living conditions in informal communities in Brazil.
She will open the FIABCI World Congress 2026 with her Keynote speech, sharing her global perspective on the future of cities, highlighting the critical role of inclusive urban policies, sustainable housing solutions, and international collaboration in shaping resilient urban environments for the decades ahead.
Kjell A. Nordström
Global Business Guru
One of Europe’s most influential management thinkers and a global business guru with a rare ability to anticipate the future.
Kjell Nordström is a management thought-leader and expert on multinational organizations with over 30 years of experience advising global corporations. His work focuses on corporate strategy, multinational firms and globalization.
For more than three decades, Nordström has helped companies, cities and societies navigate moments of profound change. Known for his sharp analysis, charismatic presence and thought-provoking insights, he challenges leaders to rethink how value is created in a world shaped by globalization, urbanization, climate change and shifting power structures.
At the FIABCI World Congress, he will share his optimistic yet realistic view of the commercial and human frontier of 2026 – and explain why understanding global forces has never been more critical for decision-makers, especially in real estate and urban development.
His bestseller “Funky Business – Talent Makes Capital Dance”, co-authored with Jonas Ridderstråle, has become a global standard for modern business leaders, translated into more than 30 languages.
Florian Gschwandtner
Entrepreneur & Digital Pioneer
A driving force in the European startup scene, recognized for his ability to scale companies globally and anticipate emerging business trends.
Florian Gschwandtner is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and one of the most influential figures in the European tech ecosystem. As co-founder of Runtastic, Tractive, and Foxyfitness, he has built and scaled international companies that combine innovation, technology, and strong brand identity.
With a deep understanding of digital business models and global markets, Gschwandtner has spent more than a decade shaping the startup landscape in Europe. Following the successful exit of Runtastic to Adidas, he continues to drive innovation as an active business angel, currently invested in over 40 startups, where he supports founders not only with capital but also with strategic guidance and entrepreneurial experience.
He gained broad public recognition as an investor on the Austrian TV show “2 Minuten 2 Millionen”, the local adaptation of Shark Tank, where he became known for his clear vision, practical mindset, and ability to identify scalable ideas.
At the FIABCI World Congress, he will share his optimistic yet realistic perspective on the commercial and human frontier of 2026. He will explore how global forces, technological acceleration, and entrepreneurial thinking are reshaping industries and why understanding these dynamics is more critical than ever for decision-makers, particularly in real estate and urban development.
Lars Peter Feld
Leading Economist
A leading voice in European economic policy, recognized for his influence on fiscal governance and his deep insights into global economic dynamics.
Lars P. Feld is Professor of Economic Policy and Regulatory Economics at the University of Freiburg and Director of the Walter Eucken Institute. He is one of Germany’s most influential economists and a long-standing advisor on fiscal policy and economic governance.
With decades of experience at the highest levels of economic policymaking, Feld has played a key role in shaping public debate. He served for ten years on the German Council of Economic Experts, including as its chairman, and advised Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner. His work focuses on public finance, economic policy, and regulatory frameworks, making him a sought-after expert for governments and institutions alike.
Driven by a strong curiosity to uncover insights that can improve policymaking and economic outcomes, Feld continues to contribute to understanding complex global economic dynamics. His research and advisory work provide valuable perspectives on how economic systems evolve in times of uncertainty.
At the FIABCI World Congress, Lars P. Feld will offer a clear and thought-provoking analysis of the current global economic environment. He will address the impact of geopolitical developments, including conflicts and rising public debt, and explore how these factors influence investment conditions and economic stability in a rapidly changing world order.
Itay Talgam
Orchestra Conductor and Leadership Expert
A visionary leadership thinker who transforms the art of conducting into powerful lessons on collaboration, communication, and trust.
Itay Talgam is an internationally renowned conductor and leadership thinker, known for translating the principles of orchestral performance into powerful insights on leadership and collaboration. Mentored by Leonard Bernstein, he has worked with leading orchestras around the world and developed a unique approach that connects music with organizational dynamics.
Through his pioneering work, Talgam demonstrates how trust, listening, authority, and creative freedom shape successful teams. His engaging talks use the orchestra as a living metaphor for leadership, inspiring audiences to rethink how collaboration works in complex environments. He has spoken at some of the world’s most prestigious events and continues to influence leaders across industries.
His acclaimed TED Talk “Lead Like the Great Conductors” and his book “The Ignorant Maestro” have reached global audiences, establishing him as a leading voice at the intersection of art, leadership, and innovation.
At the FIABCI World Congress, Itay Talgam will explore how empathy, vulnerability, and authentic communication are becoming essential leadership skills in an increasingly fragmented and complex world. He will invite participants to reflect on their own leadership style and discover how meaningful collaboration can be created—even in times shaped by rapid technological change and growing global uncertainty.
Lutz Wagner
Former Football DFB-Referee
A former top-level referee bringing powerful insights on decision-making, leadership, and performance under pressure.
Lutz Wagner is one of Germany’s most recognized football referees, with a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades in the Bundesliga. During this time, he officiated more than 450 professional matches and gained international experience, including assignments in leagues such as the Korean K-League.
Following his retirement in 2010, Wagner transitioned into a leading role within the German Football Association, where he serves as Senior Coordinator for rule interpretation and implementation. In this position, he works closely with referees at all levels, from grassroots to elite, focusing on training, talent development, and performance coaching for Germany’s top referees.
Drawing on his extensive experience in high-pressure decision-making, communication, and leadership on the field, Wagner has successfully transferred his expertise into the business world. Today, he is a sought-after keynote speaker, executive coach, and consultant, helping organizations navigate complex situations, make clear decisions, and build effective teams.
At the FIABCI World Congress, Lutz Wagner will share unique insights from the world of professional sports, demonstrating how principles such as fairness, clarity, and decisive leadership can be applied to business and organizational success.
Master of Ceremony
Fernando Tiberini is an internationally acclaimed event host and presenter known for his charismatic style and ability to connect with audiences from around the world. Fluent in eight languages and experienced across a wide range of formats, from conferences and award ceremonies to high‑profile international events, Fernando brings energy, professionalism and cultural sensitivity to every stage. Whether guiding conversations, introducing speakers, or engaging attendees, his warm and engaging presence ensures a smooth, dynamic, and memorable experience throughout the event.