The Penn Institute for Urban Research (Penn IUR) honored three pathbreaking urban leaders from around the globe at the 19th Annual Urban Leadership Forum on April 5, 2024.

Recipients of the 2024 Lawrence C. Nussdorf Urban Leadership Prize, which recognized leaders who are guiding cities worldwide toward a resilient, sustainable, and equitable future, included:

• Jaime Alberto Pumarejo Heins, former mayor of the city of Barranquilla, Colombia, led the main economic center of the Caribbean region of Colombia as a model for sustainable and inclusive urban development.
• Andrew Melnik, former international projects manager for the city of Bucha, Region of Kyiv, Ukraine, has dedicated his efforts to Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, urban development, and energy efficiency projects, attracting funding for Ukrainian municipalities by cooperating with the world’s leading consulting and architectural companies, NGOs, and funds.
• Lauren Sorkin, executive director of the Resilient Cities Network, uses the expertise of a team of urban resilience professionals in London, Mexico City, New York, and Singapore.

In speaking about the award’s namesake, Lawrence C. Nuss­dorf, Penn IUR co-director Eugenie Birch said, “Larry was a wonderful guide to our advisory board and now Melanie Nussdorf, his wife, is part of our family as well. Larry was passionate about cities–particularly about their enduring value to society. The forward thinking of the exemplary leaders we honor today paves the way for the future of our cities.”

The ceremony was followed by awardees’ remarks and a discussion moderated by Dr. Birch and Penn IUR co-director Susan Wachter.

Dr. Wachter commended the leaders, noting their need for courage in each of their contexts. “We need to congratulate you for taking on very difficult circumstances and showing leadership,” she said.