Gaetano Manfredi is one of Italy’s leading public figures at the intersection of urban governance, national policy, and institutional reform. As Mayor of Naples and President of ANCI, he plays a central role in shaping the strategic direction of Italian cities within European and global agendas on climate, infrastructure, and social cohesion.

An engineer and full professor of Structural Engineering, he previously served as Rector of the University of Naples Federico II and as Italy’s Minister of University and Research (2019–2021), overseeing higher education policy, innovation funding, and research system reform during a critical period that included pandemic recovery.

As Mayor of Naples, Manfredi leads an urban transformation focused on financial stabilization, infrastructure modernization, regeneration, and social inclusion. His administration prioritizes transport upgrades, waterfront redevelopment, cultural heritage, and climate adaptation, addressing challenges such as hydrogeological risk, infrastructure fragility, and inequality.

As President of ANCI, he represents over 8,000 Italian municipalities and acts as a key bridge between local and national government. He is central to implementing Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) at the municipal level and advocates for stronger fiscal autonomy, urban innovation, and European cooperation.

Internationally, he contributes to discussions on Mediterranean resilience, coastal governance, and climate adaptation, strengthening Naples’ role in global city networks focused on sustainability and green transition.

Manfredi embodies a technically grounded and institutionally experienced model of leadership, positioning cities as drivers of national renewal and European transformation.