Ivan Pera, Commissioner of the Pact for Ciutat Vella, is spearheading a transformative initiative to restore the vitality and significance of Barcelona's historic district. This effort aligns with Mayor Jaume Collboni's electoral promise to reinstate Ciutat Vella's prominence through a strategic dialogue aimed at crafting a long-term roadmap for social, economic, urban, and cultural rejuvenation.

The Pact for Ciutat Vella seeks to address the district's challenges by implementing an integrated and strategic approach. The initiative aims to prioritize Ciutat Vella, which had previously been sidelined, leading to various issues. While originally championed by the PSC, the pact also garnered support from ERC and Junts, with a clear vision for a decade-long plan.

Among the principal challenges the pact aims to resolve is the revitalization of public spaces to enhance safety, cleanliness, civility, and community interaction. The goal is to re-establish Ciutat Vella as the central axis of Barcelona, moving away from its current role as a neglected area. Key priorities include addressing immigration, homelessness, addiction, and supporting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and families. Housing rehabilitation and fostering a sense of pride among residents are also crucial.

Economic opportunities abound in Ciutat Vella, and efforts are underway to strengthen local commerce, making it an attractive area for both living and working. The district's future vision for 2035 involves identifying current challenges and opportunities, setting strategic priorities, and fostering community dialogue.

Despite involving various stakeholders, some former district councilors have opted out of participating in advisory discussions. The initiative continues to welcome all, including those who have personal reservations about joining.

The issue of security is particularly acute in Ciutat Vella, with a density of 14,000 tourists per square kilometer, leading to heightened perceptions of insecurity and challenges such as repeat offenses and drug trafficking. A dedicated local security plan is being developed to address these concerns.

Recent controversies, such as the eviction from the former Massana building, highlight the complexities of managing public spaces and maintaining rights. Efforts are focused on finding suitable spaces for displaced entities as part of wider urban planning.

The proliferation of businesses like Grow Shops promoting marijuana cultivation is countered by a commitment to revitalize local commerce and establish usage plans to curb undesirable activities. The district aims to replace unwanted commercial ventures with those that support community values.

The coexistence of economic disparity between vulnerable residents and affluent expats presents unique challenges. The pact encourages expats to become active community members, shifting the narrative towards harmonious coexistence rather than perpetual conflict.

Despite concerns over rising property prices, expats are seen not as adversaries but as long-term stakeholders in the community. Ciutat Vella's diverse population, consisting of individuals from 154 nationalities speaking over a hundred languages, showcases a rich tapestry of multiculturalism that has not been perceived as problematic.

Addressing addiction and drug-related issues is crucial, as Ciutat Vella sees a higher concentration of used syringes compared to other areas. The district hosts addiction care centers and experiences tension due to concentrated drug sales, underscoring the need to reclaim and restore public spaces.

The demographic shifts beginning in 2005, along with Barcelona's rise as a global capital and the 2008 economic crisis, marked the start of Ciutat Vella's decline. The current transformation efforts aim to reverse this trajectory, restoring the district to its former vibrancy and significance.