Cleveland Continues to Build Connections with Madrid, Spain, through the Cleveland Council on World Affairs

The Cleveland Council on World Affairs’ (CCWA) 2025 Global Ambassadors had the opportunity to connect with the City of Madrid during an international study trip from May 2 to May 10. Global Ambassadors is a leadership development experience that explores the challenges and opportunities for global cities. The program brings together globally minded emerging leaders from Cleveland, Ohio, and connects them with changemakers in Madrid, Spain, around the themes of economic development, sustainability, and community building.

On May 9, 2025, the group had an in-depth session with the City of Madrid’s department that leads “Madrid 360” or Madrid 360 Environmental Sustainability Strategy, the city’s plan for carbon neutrality by 2025. Leading the session was the office of the Director General of Planning and Mobility Infrastructure, with whom the Cleveland Council on World Affairs has built a strong relationship over the past two years. The Director General of Planning and Mobility Infrastructure, Lola Ortiz Sanchez, is an alumna of the U.S. Department of State’s International visitor Leadership Program that brings foreign leaders in a variety of fields to the United States to cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts.

The session on May 9 gave our Global Ambassadors the opportunity to explore Madrid’s forward-thinking approach to urban development and sustainability. City officials and construction site managers led the cohort on a tour of the A-5 tunnelling project, "Nuevo Paseo del Suroeste de Madrid," to learn about the tunneling process, how it helps reduce traffic congestion, and its role in improving air quality by taking vehicles underground. The presentation also showcased the plans for green spaces, bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways above the tunnels. This is how the City of Madrid is prioritizing eco-friendly and livable urban design. The tour offered a deep understanding of how sustainable urban planning can create interconnected spaces that balance modern transportation needs with environmental responsibility.

The A-5 tunneling project in Madrid builds on the success of the M-30, shifting the highway underground to free up surface space for green areas, bike lanes, and pedestrian paths. This sustainable initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution while enhancing the city’s livability. By creating more eco-friendly, walkable spaces, it reflects Madrid's commitment to transforming urban infrastructure into interconnected, environmentally responsible areas that balance modern transportation needs with sustainability.

The Cleveland Council on World Affairs is greatly appreciative of the City of Madrid’s support of the Global Ambassadors program. Global Ambassadors are selected for their commitment to civic leadership, potential for impact in the Cleveland communities, and desire to build bridges between Cleveland and the world. The program provides them with opportunities to explore how other international metropolitan areas are operationalizing forward-looking initiatives and building professional ecosystems. This is societal innovation and global learning by inspiration.