Hila Oren - Designing Tel Aviv's Future Through the Power of Public Space

The Century of Cities welcomes Hila Oren, CEO of the Tel Aviv Foundation and founder of Tel Aviv Global. A driving force behind Tel Aviv's innovation journey, Hila has redefined what it means to build a social city. From its "nonstop city" branding in the 1980s to a future shaped by climate pressures, cutting-edge tech, and deep communal resilience, Hila shares how Tel Aviv's DNA, rooted in bold founders, hospitality, and relentless energy, continues to shape everything from urban design to social infrastructure. Hila also explores how public spaces can become "pockets of well-being," why cities must confront loneliness as a public health challenge, and how everything from promenades to elevators can be reimagined as places of welcoming human connection.