Venue

Fortaleza, Brazil

A coastal capital where climate vulnerability, rapid growth and urban innovation meet — a living laboratory for the questions this event asks.

The City

Brazil's fourth
largest city

Founded in the 17th century and capital of Ceará since the late 18th, Fortaleza surpassed Salvador in the 2024 census and now counts slightly over 2.5 million inhabitants.

Strong expansion in the construction industry has fuelled ambitious projects positioning the city as the “Dubai of Brazil's Northeast” — attracting local and international investment in real estate, innovation and urban development.

Alongside that growth sit real challenges: climate vulnerability, socio-spatial inequality and rising demand for sustainable, inclusive solutions.

Why Fortaleza

Five reasons this city

Coastal Innovation

Exemplary projects such as Vila do Mar and the Beira-Mar waterfront requalification serve as full-scale references.

Green Hydrogen Hub

The Port of Pecém is developing one of the world's most promising green hydrogen hubs.

Urban Laboratory

2.5 million people, rapid construction growth and real resilience challenges to study up close.

Tourism Destination

Year-round sunshine, iconic beaches — Iracema, Meireles, Praia do Futuro — unique gastronomy and warm hospitality.

Education & Research

Federal and state universities — UFC, UECE, IFCE — sustain recognised excellence in teaching and research at every level, from technical training to doctoral programmes.

The City in Pictures