Ana María Buriticá Alzate is part of the Women Affairs Secretariat in Bogotá, where she leads strategic alliances and promotes best practices within the Bogotá Care System. With over 15 years of experience in social policies, she has supported international missions, hosted over 72  national and international visits in Bogotá to the care blocks, and contributes to strengthening the Women and Gender Equity Observatory. Ana María holds a Master’s degree in Urban Management, is a specialist in Social Project Evaluation, and a professional in Government and International Relations.

Davide Malmusi is Director of Health and Care Services at Barcelona City Council, a role he has held since 2016. A medical doctor with a PhD in Public Health, he has published extensively on health inequalities related to gender, migration, and socioeconomic factors, as well as the impact of social policies. He has contributed to key initiatives such as the Espai Barcelona Cuida (“Barcelona Cares” center).

Davide Malmusi shared thoughts on the importance of the Fund and care activities in metropolitan areas. Discover his insight below.

Why do you think, in your professional experience and expertise, that developing care is important at the scale of the city?
Care is an emerging priority in public policy, historically overlooked but now gaining recognition across all levels of government. In cities like ours, care is everywhere: nearly one third of the population is caring for a child or a dependent person. Developing care policies is essential to address both the needs of those receiving care and the challenges faced by carers. Municipalities, as the closest level of administration to people’s daily lives, are uniquely positioned to design and implement tailored, community-based solutions that promote equity, social cohesion, and well-being.

As a jury member in the first call, what aspects of the process did you find particularly meaningful or innovative and why do you think it's important for cities to have access to financing tools for their local care systems?

It was a valuable experience to learn how municipalities from diverse regions are tackling the challenge of expanding care services and addressing the specific needs of family caregivers. The process highlighted both shared struggles and innovative local responses. Financing tools like this one are essential to empower cities to move beyond “business as usual” and invest in care as a strategic priority. They enable experimentation, foster innovation, and help address long-standing social needs that often remain invisible, despite affecting a significant portion of the population.

Rocío Lombera is General Coordinator for International Action in Mexico City, where she advances inclusive and resilient communities. An architect and popular educator with over 40 years of experience, she focuses on urban and social management through inclusion, care, and social justice. She led the creation of the UTOPIAS in Iztapalapa—spaces offering free access to essential services—and has worked with UN-Habitat and UCLG to promote care policies as a fundamental right

Guillaume Lévy is a Programme Officer at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), working on international migration policy, financial inclusion, remittances, and the gender-migration nexus. He has worked across the Horn of Africa, the Western Balkans, and Switzerland, focusing on durable solutions in displacement contexts, migrant protection, and civil society engagement.

Guillaume Lévy shared thoughts on the importance of the Fund and care activities in metropolitan areas. Discover his insight below.

Why do you think, in your professional experience and expertise, that developing care is important at the scale of the city?
Access to quality care services is a fundamental component of employment and social protection policies for gender equality. Investing in care at the city level strengthens social infrastructure, supports women’s workforce participation, and reduces long-term public costs by addressing vulnerabilities early. Cities are uniquely positioned to integrate care into urban planning, ensuring accessibility and equity. Care-centred urban development not only enhances quality of life but also drives inclusive economic growth by creating jobs, supporting local economies, and fostering resilient communities.

As a jury member in the first call, what aspects of the process did you find particularly meaningful or innovative and why do you think it's important for cities to have access to financing tools for their local care systems?
The requirement for proposals to have confirmed high-level support from mayors and a participatory design process was particularly meaningful. It ensures top-down political commitment and alignment with broader urban strategies and the bottom-up grounding of solutions in local realities, increasing the likelihood of implementation and sustainability.

Jordi Vaquer has been Secretary General of Metropolis since 2022, responsible for shaping our global initiatives, priorities and membership. Before joining Metropolis, Jordi had a diverse and extensive career in the field of international relations, spanning sectors including public administration, applied research, academia, and philanthropy.