"Speak After Listening for Meaningful Policy Creation: Insight by Miquel Vidal-Bover"

Miquel Vidal-Bover, a seasoned policy analyst, has dedicated his career to fostering inclusivity and reducing segregation in cities around the world. With a diverse academic background in Political Science, European Studies, Economic Geography, and Translation, Vidal-Bover brings a unique perspective to his work.

His journey began in a rural island village on Majorca, Spain, where his fascination with urbanism was first sparked during his teenage years. This interest led him to pursue a degree in translation and study in various European cities, ultimately paving the way for his passion for social sciences.

Vidal-Bover's professional path has been marked by stints at the European Commission, the International Labour Organization, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the Regional Office for the Arab States for UN Women, and most recently, as a Junior Policy Analyst at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

One of Vidal-Bover's key beliefs is that a city is an intricate web of actors and processes, encompassing businesses, activists, housing associations, neighbourhood organisations, and policymakers. He emphasises the importance of understanding diversity to create policy that addresses inequality.

Vidal-Bover's background in translation has equipped him with strong communication skills, intercultural sensitivity, diplomacy, and empathy, all of which are crucial in the policy environment. He believes that technical skills in data-driven processes and navigation of statistical software are essential for critically analysing evidence.

In his work, Vidal-Bover focuses on making cities "more inclusive, less segregated." He observes a mismatch in diversity and segregation in various cities, including London, which seems to correlate with ethnicity. He emphasises the importance of considering systemic challenges of intersectionality, particularly gender inequality, in policymaking.

Vidal-Bover does not consider himself an activist but rather prefers to address issues with systemic reform. He believes that everyone has a role to play in finding their place where they can be most useful in enacting change.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an opportunity to rethink the social urban structure and push for changes in services, mobility, and climate change. Vidal-Bover supports the 15-minute city concept, envisioning a future where services are local and accessible.

However, solutions for urban issues may not be culturally aligned due to differences in history and language. Integration of people who do not speak the local language should be facilitated to ensure equal participation and representation. Learning a local language can significantly improve interactions and opportunities in a city.

Vidal-Bover was moved to action upon witnessing homelessness in Barcelona and began working with local associations to inform homeless individuals about available resources. He believes that cities should be welcoming and inclusive spaces for all, and his work continues to reflect this commitment.

"Speak After Listening for Meaningful Policy Creation: Insight by Miquel Vidal-Bover"