The Monocle Quality of Life conference 2025: Panels
How to be a local
Editorial illustrator Labanda knows a thing or two about what makes this fascinating city tick. Here, he shares some of the things that make Barcelona special for him.
Speaker:
Jordi Labanda
Commercial artist
Architects to know
How can architecture elevate our everyday lives? Three architects discuss making buildings that reflect where they sit, using resources wisely and why we should export a Mediterranean sensibility to the world.
Speakers:
Jeanne Autran-Edorh
Co-founder, Studio NEiDA
Fergus Feilden
Director and co-founder, Feilden Fowle
Marcos Parera Blanch
Creative director and co-founder, Mesura
The UAE: the next geopolitical frontier
In a rapidly changing world, we meet the minister enhancing the UAE’s global presence and talk about soft power, diplomacy and bringing people together.
Speaker:
HE Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi
Minister of state, UAE
The power of ‘Made in Spain’
Meet the leader propelling one of Spain’s most cherished heritage fashion labels into its next chapter – and why “Made in Spain” stands for craft and a quiet confidence.
Speaker:
Adriana Domínguez
Executive chairwoman, Adolfo Domínguez
The secret to a healthy glow
We sit down with the CEO of ISDIN to unpack the science, strategy and Mediterranean spirit behind one of Spain’s most trusted skincare brands – and why dermatological health is about more than lotions and potions.
Speaker:
Juan Naya
CEO, ISDIN
Nobility through mobility
Japanese designer Keiji Takeuchi has turned his attention to one of humanity’s oldest tools: the walking stick. Takeuchi joins us for a conversation about ageing with elegance and dignity.
Speaker:
Keiji Takeuchi
Founder, Keiji Takeuchi Design Office
Things we like
Our editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, gives a global rundown of the people, places and products that have caught his eye, from the quirky to the epic.
Lessons in longevity
Spanish people consistently rank among the world’s longest-living, despite a love of late nights, good wine and even the occasional cigarette. So what’s the secret, good public policy? Plus, we investigate the science of fasting and hear how holistic health leads to longer and better lives.
Speakers:
Dr Vânia de la Fuente-Núñez
Consultant and ageing expert
Victor Wilhelmi
Managing director, Buchinger Wilhelmi Marbella
The power of the uniform
What we wear to work says more than we think. We hear from the Barcelona-based design duo on a mission to elevate the role of the uniform by blending form, function and quiet elegance to create workwear with soul.
Speakers:
Marta M Soldevilla and Nagore Vitallé
Co-founders, Bastida for Work
The Monocle Concierge
Need some travel advice? The Monocle Concierge is at your service. Our editors and the head concierge at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, David Mira Mulero, answer your questions on travel, hospitality and where to head next.
Speaker:
David Mira Mulero
Head Concierge, Mandarin Oriental Barcelona
How good lighting can improve your life
In this warm and illuminating masterclass, we dim the lights and dial up the atmosphere for an intimate conversation about how good lighting can elevate your daily life. Hear from two leading voices in Spanish lighting design on the craft’s ability to soften routines, enhance wellbeing and bring a touch of quiet joy to the everyday.
Speakers:
David Martí Vilardosa
Editor and director of product design, Santa & Cole
Javier Marset
CEO, Marset
Making sense of the world today
From geopolitical tensions to disinformation campaigns, we examine the forces shaping the global-security landscape. With perspectives spanning diplomacy, technology and media, our panel explores how alliances are shifting, the return of hard power and what the future of conflict might look like. Expect a timely conversation about how to protect trust and make sense of an increasingly uncertain world.
Speakers:
Gorana Grgić
Security Correspondent, Monocle
Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen
Chief corporate affairs officer, Netcompany
Alicia Wanless
Director, Information Environment Project at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Rethinking prayer
How do you find new starting points, sources of inspiration? How do you make sure that you don’t just repeat what you or others have done before? Celebrated Turkish architect Emre Arolat unpacks how he avoided these traps to deliver a mosque that has been embraced by its worshippers as a modern marvel. Join for lessons on creativity that we can all learn from.
Speaker:
Emre Arolat
Co-founder and principal, EAA, Emre Arolat Architecture
Rethinking hospitality
Three sisters created a hotel and hospitality brand in the heart of San Sebastián that is rooted in the Basque region yet knows how to marry this with the best in international design. It’s a hit. But what are the secrets to creating a good hotel that’s right for now yet still has longevity in its DNA? Find out.
Speaker:
Nerea Aramburu
Hotelier and entrepreneur
Rethinking business
We all know the script: you start a business, pursue growth and do everything you can to keep going. But for one fashion duo a different idea took hold – how about shuttering your business after a fun decade even though it’s all going swimmingly? We meet two entrepreneurs with a very different take on running a brand.
Speakers:
Cathrine Saks and Barbara Potts
Founders, Saks Potts
Creativity and collaboration
As a partner at Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, Dimitri Davoise is helping to steer one of Spain’s most iconic architecture studios into its next chapter. With a team that includes architects and artists, it is creating distinct new projects from its base in Barcelona’s iconic La Fábrica building. Join us for a conversation about collaboration, creativity and why the best ateliers never stop evolving.
Speaker:
Dimitri Davoise
Partner, Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, Spain
Live better longer
Hamburg is set to welcome the first outpost of The Embassies, a concept that looks to make ageing a time of fruitful fulfilment. With 45 apartments, set in a multi-generational, mixed-use building, is this the future for people who want to remain engaged and never fully retired? Is this the end of loneliness for seniors?
Speaker:
Jan Garde
Founder and chairman, The Embassies of Good Living
Driving the way forward
The automotive industry is fast approaching a fork in the road and it’s never been more vital for the industry’s leaders to be checking their wing mirrors for competition coming up the inside. We meet a seasoned automotive visionary charged with defining his brand’s vision and embracing the electric revolution. Where to next for the car?
Speaker:
Martin Limpert
Global managing director, Range Rover
