The New Barcelona Post converses this month with Marc Perea, one of the young people participating in the leadership and city program taught by Barcelona Global, Barcelona 2040. Perea is the founder of Back4more, a creative sportainment studio specialized in the production of shows and entertainment content for sports properties and major international sporting events.
The objective of this series of interviews is for this new generation of leaders to share their vision of the Barcelona of the future they aspire to, as well as their impact proposals for the improvement of the city.
--- What do you expect from Barcelona in 2040?
--- I hope that Barcelona in 2040 will be a city that combines the emotion and talent of its people with the innovation and sustainability of great global metropolises. That it maintains its Mediterranean essence and its capacity to inspire, but that it also transforms into a benchmark in design, technology, and urban development, leaving a legacy that elevates both its self-esteem and its international projection.
--- With what city would you compare Barcelona?
--- If I had to draw a parallel, I would say that Barcelona shares the energy and dynamism of cities like New York, Copenhagen, Milan, or Tel Aviv, in terms of its ability to reinvent itself and set global trends. However, its unique identity and Mediterranean roots make it incomparable, as it combines innovative strength with a very special human and cultural touch.
"We must lead initiatives that not only drive technological and economic progress, but also strengthen Barcelona's identity and cultural legacy"--- What city model do you think Barcelona should resemble?
--- Barcelona should aspire to be a smart and sustainable global city, integrating the best of modern urbanism with the warmth and creativity characteristic of the Mediterranean. A model that, like some of the most advanced cities in Northern Europe, combines technology, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a high quality of life, without ever losing its cultural and emotional identity.
--- What is the main challenge Barcelona must solve in the coming years?
--- The central challenge is to reinvent and strengthen its city brand, overcoming the inertia of the past and the fragmentation of recent years. It is vital to promote transformative projects ---both in infrastructure and in cultural and sports initiatives--- that integrate all citizens, leverage local talent, and consolidate Barcelona as a global benchmark in innovation and quality of life.
"Barcelona must bet on sectors that reflect its spirit and innovative capacity"--- What do you think should be the role of new generations and their involvement in the development of the city?
--- The new generations are the essential engine for this transformation. Creativity, dynamism, and a fresh vision must translate into an active commitment to urban development, fostering citizen participation and demanding that we do so through innovation. We must lead initiatives that not only drive technological and economic progress but also strengthen Barcelona's identity and cultural legacy.
--- Which business sectors do you think Barcelona should bet on?
--- Barcelona should bet on sectors that reflect its spirit and innovative capacity. This includes design, advertising, and culture, areas in which it has already demonstrated unique leadership. At the same time, it is crucial to invest in technology, digital economy, and sustainability, as well as in sports infrastructure and large-scale events that boost tourism and economic dynamism. These sectors, combined, will consolidate the city as a global epicenter of creativity and progress.