Alice Charles

Director, Cities, Planning and Design, Arup Group

Alice is a global expert in sustainable urban planning, urban regeneration, city design and housing. With over two decades of experience spanning government policy, strategy, and design, she has worked with governments, international organisations, and the private sector to shape cities that are inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.

As Director for Cities, Planning and Design at Arup, she focuses on cross cutting urban strategies addressing sustainability, climate change, resilience, mobility and affordability. She also leads strategic collaborations with the UN Global Compact, the World Economic Forum and Chairs the Earthshot Prize Public Sector working group. Her work focuses on advancing climate action, sustainable real estate, and innovative urban solutions that improves the quality of life for communities.

Previously, she spearheaded the World Economic Forum’s cities and real estate initiatives, driving global dialogues on urbanisation, energy efficiency, and housing. She was an External Board Member of Ireland's National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) Planning Advisory Committee, an EU Presidency Environmental Officer with the Irish government's Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. She has worked with major engineering and real estate firms, including Jacobs and Avison Young.

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